Post-Secondary Accessibility Services (PSAS) provides funding through the Canada Study Grant, for educational supports to remove barriers for post-secondary students with permanent or prolonged disabilities.

2025-2026 - Each student who declares having a disability and who has one dollar of financial need is automatically assessed for a $2,800 Canada Student Grant each academic year. You do not repay this grant. 

Students with permanent disabilities, such as a learning disability, may be eligible for non-repayable assistance for educational disability related services and/or equipment required to participate in their post seconday program of study .

Examples of Required Services & Equipment

assistive technology

tutoring

 notetaking

sign language interpreting

attendant care

Open the links below to see if you qualify and how to apply!

Types of disabilities

The Government of Canada defines 2 types of disabilities for students to be eligible for these grants. We use these definitions to make our funding decisions.

Permanent disability

Any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment, or a functional limitation, that restricts a person's ability to perform the daily activities necessary to pursue studies at a post-secondary school level or to participate in the labour force. The disability is expected to remain with the person for their expected life.

Persistent or prolonged disability

Any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment, or a functional limitation, that restricts a person's ability to perform the daily activities necessary to pursue studies at a post-secondary school level or to participate in the labour force. The disability has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least 12 months, but is not expected to remain with the person for their expected life.

Eligibility

To qualify for grants, you must:

• have a permanent or persistent or prolonged disability as defined by the Government of Canada

• be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

• be a resident of Nova Scotia (you're considered a resident if you have a Nova Scotia Health Card)

• attend a post-secondary institution (university, community college or private career college)

If you're eligible, you can apply for grants.

Note: All information  posted on BVH Student Services site is to be viewed as 'possibly helpful guidelines'  intended to provide starting point for research. Information is drawn from novascotia.ca which indicates last update as 2024 . Students are responsible for confirming ongoing accuracy as application and qualification requirements change regularly. 

Step 1: Apply for a Student Loan (application is done through MyPath)

Step 2: Gather Supporting Documentation - this may include Psych Ed assessment, high school adaptations, and/or Verification of Disability Form (PSAS) depending on your type of disability. Read all info on Verification of Disability Form to determine what documentation is required specific to your disability. Also, read most recent Supporting Document Requirements for Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities (CSG-DSE) below!

Step 3: My Path Account - Student User Guidelines lists the steps to declaring your disability and uploading supporting documentation.

As of November 2025...

Supporting Documentation Requirements for Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities (CSG-DSE):

Students with a current student loan application, financial need, and a verified disability can access funding for assistive technology and services to address functional limitations posed by their disability in the postsecondary educational setting.  Additional considerations:

• Students must submit their most recent psych-ed assessment when applying for the Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities (CSG-DSE).

• If the assessment is over 5 years old and completed at age 12 or younger, an updated assessment is required.

• If over 5 years old and completed at age 13 or older, the original assessment plus a Verification of Disability Form is required.

• Advanced Education may allow some flexibility; students should contact that department directly with questions.

Other avenues students and families can explore for an updated assessment

LDAB Bursary Program

Up front funding (up to $3500) may be available to the student through the Learning Disability Assessment Bureau (LDAB).  To be eligible for the bursary, student MUST have an active Nova Scotia Student Assistance application and have been appropriately screened by their Accessibility Advisor at their postsecondary institution

Reimbursement through CSG-DSE

Alternatively, reimbursement (up to $3500) for a completed assessment may be accessed through the CSG-DSE. The assessment must result in a diagnosis. A copy of the assessment and receipt must be provided to PSAS via upload to the student's MyPATH account. Reimbursement is only available for assessments completed during the student's postsecondary study period. Assessments completed in high school are not eligible for reimbursement.

Funding sources for assessments ONCE ENROLLED IN POST SECONDARY

Insurance Coverage

• Some funding for assessments can be accessed through student insurance plans at SMU, Dal and Acadia in particular.  Students should inquire as to what coverage is provided by their plan. 

• Mylearningcoach.ca offers psych-ed assessments conducted virtually across Canada.  Some plans cover up to $1000 towards a psych-ed (psychology assessment services).

• Students can also ask if ADHD assessment costs through Beyond ADHD are covered.  Currently, Medavie Blue Cross covers some or all of the Beyond ADHD assessment costs depending on your particular plan.

For more information, visit https://novascotia.ca/post-secondary-accessibility-services/ 

Or Call Them! 

Nova Scotia Student Assistance Office

902-424-8420 

(HRM)

1-800-565-8420 

(Toll Free Anywhere in Canada)