ISANS Newcomer Scholarship

Purpose

Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) established this scholarship in 2026 to assist newcomers to Nova Scotia with financial support for their post-secondary education. It is designed to reduce financial barriers to post-secondary education. This scholarship is primarily based on financial need, while recognizing diverse forms of effort, responsibility, and achievement. 

Funding for the scholarship is obtained through charitable donations and fundraising events organized by ISANS. The scholarship fund is invested with an approved financial institution. A special committee oversees the fund, reviews applications, makes awards, and provides recommendations to the ISANS Senior Leadership Team on matters related to the scholarship. 

Guiding Principles

  • We focus on financial need first. The main thing we look at is whether you need financial support to continue your education or training. 
  • Your story matters. We look at your grades, work, and activities in the context of your life and experiences. 
  • We know not everyone has the same opportunities. You do not need Canadian work experience, perfect grades, or unpaid volunteer experience to apply or succeed. Selection recognizes newcomer realities, including interrupted education, language transition, caregiving responsibilities, and non‑formal work. 
  • We aim to be respectful and accessible. The application process is designed to be flexible, understanding, and respectful of different cultures and life experiences, including challenges you may have faced. 

Privacy Notice

ISANS is committed to respecting your privacy and protecting your personal information. We collect personal information as part of this application to assess eligibility and select scholarship recipients. Your information will be kept confidential and used only for scholarship administration. Full privacy details are provided in the ISANS Newcomer Scholarship Privacy Notice.  

Eligibility Criteria

  • You came to Canada from another country as an immigrant or refugee within the last 10 years.  
  • You are a Permanent Resident or Canadian citizen with an immigrant background. International students are not eligible. 
  • You are between 18 and 30 years old. 
  • You are registered at an approved post-secondary educational institution in Nova Scotia  
  • You can provide proof of acceptance/enrollment. 
  • You demonstrate financial need, which is assessed using an income test. 
  • You do not need to be a current or former ISANS client to apply. Current or former ISANS clients may be given priority, but all eligible newcomer youth are encouraged to apply. 
  • You complete the full application form and attend an interview if requested. 
  • You do not work for ISANS, and you are not a close family member (parent, sibling, spouse, or child) of someone who works for ISANS. 

Process

  • Applications are accepted in May and June. 
  • Applications are reviewed in July, using a selection process that prioritizes financial need. 
  • Successful applicants will be notified in writing by July 25. 
  • If selected, funding of up to $1,000 will be paid directly to the post‑secondary institution on your behalf. 
  • Proof of enrollment and receipts from the institution will be required before funds are released. 

General

  • This scholarship is non‑renewable and awarded for one academic year only. 
  • ISANS may choose not to award the scholarship in a given year if no suitable applicant is identified. 
  • Scholarship awards depend on available funding. 
  • Payment may be delayed or postponed if additional documentation is required or if circumstances change. 

If you have questions about the process or your eligibility, please contact us – we’re happy to help. 

Email: scholarship@isans.ca 

Phone: 902-423-3607 

Deadline for submissions: June 30, 2026.