Were you ever in foster care or child welfare services? You may be eligible for free tuition at MSVU.
Mount Saint Vincent University has a long-standing commitment to social justice initiatives and removing barriers to education. In January 2021 we were the first university in Atlantic Canada to launch the Post Care Tuition Waiver Program (PCTWP), an initiative aimed at making post-secondary education more accessible for former youth in care by waiving tuition (full program) and mandatory program fees for eligible students. There are ten waivers available each academic year.
2026-27 PCTWP applications are now open for September 2026 entry. Applications must be received by August 1, 2026 to be guaranteed review. Late submissions may be considered if any spots remain.
How To Apply:
Step 1
Obtain verification of past child welfare involvement from the Department of Opportunities and Social Development’s Disclosure Program to ensure eligibility for the PCTWP. Extenuating circumstances or documentation from other organizations will be considered.
Disclosure Program
Verification request – online form
disclosureprogram@novascotia.ca
Phone: 902-424-2755
Toll-free (within Canada): 1-833-424-2755
2131 Gottingen Street, 3rd Floor
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 5Z7
Step 2
Complete the 2026-27 PCTWP application available in PDF form. Please download, fill (including your MSVU student number) and complete all sections.
Step 3
Send verification letter and PCTWP Application to PCTWP@msvu.ca or by mail:
Mount Saint Vincent University
ATTN: PCTWP
EMF 108
166 Bedford Hwy
Halifax, NS
B3M 2J6
Applications are due on August 1, 2026 for September entry. Late submissions may be considered if any spots remain.
If you previously applied for the PCTWP and either declined or were not awarded a tuition waiver, and you would like the committee to reconsider your application, email PCTWP@msvu.ca with that request. There is no need for a new application.
PCTWP Eligibility Criteria:
- Have lived in care for a minimum of one year (consecutive or accumulated) 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. Extenuating circumstances or documentation from other organizations will be considered.
- Have obtained an offer of admission from MSVU. Preference is given to applicants entering or working towards completing their first certificate, diploma or degree program. 2+2 transfer students from NSCC are considered to be working towards their first program. If the application fee of $40 is a barrier to you, please contact PCTWP@msvu.ca to discuss available options.
- Complete a 2026-27 PCTWP application — including verification of eligibility, an Educational/Academic Plan and a Financial Need Assessment and provide documentation to support any other extenuating circumstances to assist in determining eligibility.
- Full-time and part-time students are eligible for the PCTWP.
- Will meet with the PCTWP Coordinator to explore other sources of funding and orientation to MSVU.
- Not currently in receipt of (nor eligible to receive) the NS Department of Opportunities and Social Development’s Educational Bursary Program for Children in Care or the Post Care and Custody Agreement.
PCTWP Coverage:
The PCTWP will cover tuition and mandatory fees detailed on MyMount. Students in the program are responsible for paying their own:
- Living expenses, including on-campus residence
- Textbooks and course materials
- Food
- Childcare
- Any other education or living expenses outside of tuition and mandatory fees.
Questions:
Please email your questions and comments to PCTWP@msvu.ca or call 902 457 6567.
Mount Saint Vincent University reserves the right to change criteria based on funding available.