Student Financial Assistance Program Overview
The Student Financial Assistance (SFA) Program – Government of the Northwest Territories, offered through the Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE), provides financial support to eligible Northwest Territories (NWT) residents pursuing post-secondary education at accredited institutions.
The program is intended to help supplement education-related expenses and reduce financial barriers to higher education. Funding is available for both full-time and part-time students.
Types of Financial Assistance Available
Depending on eligibility and financial need, students may qualify for:
Basic Grant
Funding to assist with:
- Tuition and mandatory fees
- Books and supplies
- Travel costs
Eligible Northern Indigenous residents and Northern residents educated in the NWT may receive enhanced grant amounts for tuition and books.
Supplementary Grant or Remissible Loan
A monthly living allowance designed to help students cover living expenses while attending school.
A remissible loan may be forgiven if the student returns to live and work in the NWT after completing studies.
Repayable Loan
Additional needs-based financial assistance for:
- Tuition and fees
- Books and supplies
- Travel expenses
- Monthly living allowance
Repayable loans must be paid back after studies are completed.
Grants for Students with Disabilities
Students with permanent disabilities may qualify for additional funding, including:
- Up to $4,000 annually for tuition, books, travel, and accommodations
- Up to $20,000 annually for disability-related educational supports such as tutors, interpreters, adaptive technology, and specialized equipment
Course Reimbursement for Part-Time Studies
Eligible students enrolled in part-time studies may receive reimbursement funding:
- Up to $880 per course
- Lifetime maximum of $8,800
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Student Financial Assistance, applicants must:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
- Be a resident of the Northwest Territories according to SFA residency criteria
- Attend an approved post-secondary institution
- Be enrolled in an approved program or course
- Have previous student loans in good standing
- Not be receiving financial aid from another province, territory, or federal student assistance program
Application Information
Students must apply for funding each academic year.
Application Deadlines
- June 30 for programs beginning between August 1 and September 30
- October 31 for programs beginning between December 1 and January 31
- One month before the program start date for all other intakes
How to Apply
Applications may be submitted:
- Online through the SFA portal
- By email
- By mail
- By fax
- In person at the SFA office in Yellowknife
For application forms and detailed information, visit:
NWT Student Financial Assistance Portal
Learning Support for Persons with Disabilities Fund
The Learning Support for Persons with Disabilities Fund helps NWT residents living with disabilities pursue educational, employment, and personal learning goals.
Funding may be available to individuals or organizations supporting persons with disabilities. Assistance is intended to reduce barriers to learning and improve access to education and training opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be living with a disability
- Be participating in a learning activity
- Demonstrate commitment to educational, employment, or personal goals
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be a resident of the Northwest Territories
- Be unable to obtain funding from another source
Important Information
- Funding is provided annually beginning April 1
- Applications are reviewed throughout the year on a first-come, first-served basis
- Recipients must submit a final written report and financial statement upon project completion
For additional information, visit:
Northwest Territories Disabilities Council – Learning Supports
Learning Supports Individual Application
Learning Supports Organization Application
Last Updated: 2026-05-25