NSCC Post-Care Bursary

This award is now open for the 2026-27 academic year

Please note: our funding currently enables us to support up to 3 students beginning in the 2026-27 academic year. Once funds have been committed, this bursary application will close. Therefore, eligible students should submit an application as soon as possible if they wish to be considered. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-qualified basis. Applications received after funding has been fully committed will remain on a waitlist for consideration should more funding become available. This award is renewable for students in multi-year programs (based on successful completion of first year in program and remaining in good academic standing).

In order to be eligible for this award, applicants must

• Have lived in care for a minimum of one year (cumulative or accumulated) in the Nova Scotia child welfare system – including Mi’kmaw Family and Children’s Services of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children – or have received Youth Services between the ages of 16 – 18 via signed agreement, as defined by Section 19 of the Children and Family Services Act.
• Consent to a Release of Information to support the verification process with Nova Scotia Department of Opportunities and Social Development (formerly Community Services).
• Be entering in their first post-secondary credential in the 2026-27 academic year (e.g. certificate, diploma, or degree); the program must be one with tuition and associated fees.
• Not currently be in receipt of (nor eligible to receive) the NS Department of Opportunities and Social Development Educational Bursary Program for Children in Care or the Post-Care and Custody Agreement.

About the award
This bursary program, generously supported by the Walker Wood Foundation and individual donors, has been established to support those who have lived in care in the Nova Scotia child welfare system — including Mi’kmaw Family and Children’s Services of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children – or have received Youth Services between the ages of 16 – 18 via signed agreement, as defined by Section 19 of the Children and Family Services Act.

This bursary will be applied towards tuition costs and ancillary fees for full or part-time learning, with an aim to help make post-secondary education more accessible for former youth in care. 

Application assessment will consider

• Financial need
• Educational goals and career aspirations

To apply for this award

• Step 1
  Gain acceptance to an NSCC program for 2026-27 and pay the non-refundable tuition deposit.

• Step 2
  We require verification of past child welfare involvement to ensure eligibility for the bursary. Applicants must first seek verification by contacting the Disclosure Program:
  Disclosure Program
  Department of Opportunities and Social Development
  Phone: 902-424-2755
  Toll-free (within Canada): 1-833-424-2755
  disclosureprogram@novascotia.ca   
  2131 Gottingen Street, 3rd Floor
  Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 5Z7

• Step 3
  Upload the verification letter and complete the other application components in the student awards portal.

Thinking about applying in future?
If you are thinking about NSCC, email us at awards@nscc.ca and let us know as it helps us understand potential future interest.

For more information
Contact matt.currie@nscc.ca if you have any questions about the award including the application process.