The 2024-2025 Tuition Support Application Form is now available.

The Tuition Support Program (TSP) provides an option for students who meet program eligibility requirements to access specialized programming and services outside the framework of the Nova Scotia public school system (PSP).  The intent of the TSP is to provide students with the opportunity to develop strategies and skills which will support their successful transition back to their neighbourhood school, post-secondary learning and/or community.

The TSP provides funding which partially covers the tuition costs at designated special education private schools (DSEPS) or registered special education private schools (RSEPS).  There are currently three DSEPS (5 campuses) in Nova Scotia. There are currently no RSEPS through the Tuition Support Program.

A student who is entitled to be provided a French-first-language program of the Conseil Acadian (CSAP) pursuant to Section 12 of the Education Act and who meets all the other eligibility requirements is able to apply for funding through the TSP.  As there are currently no designated special education private schools offering programming and services in French, eligible students may be eligible to receive the same funding unit to schools outside the province of Nova Scotia.  These schools must be registered special education private schools (RSEPS).

All eligible students receive the same base per pupil funding unit which is paid directly to the DSEPS or RSEPS*.  Parents/guardians are also able to apply for a supplemental grant, the amount of which is determined on a sliding scale, based on their reported family income during the previous taxation year, to further assist them in meeting the related tuition costs. (* both the funding unit and supplement amounts may be pro-rated based on late start date ie: after September 30th)

The maximum amount that a student is eligible to receive through the TSP is 90% of the tuition costs of the DSEPS/RSEPS or the combined total amount of the funding unit and the maximum supplement, which is the equal amount of the funding unit, whichever is the lesser.  Click on Supplement Estimator for more information.

The Tuition Support Program is available to students for three years, with a potential fourth additional year available, in cases where transition outcomes have been identified through the program planning process.

The TSP addresses the specific needs of students who have been diagnosed with one of the following disorders or disabilities:

• Learning Disability/Disorder (as defined by the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada, 2002 or DSM-V)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• Autism Spectrum Disorder

Schedule "A", Governor in Council, Education Act Regulations made under Section 146 of the Education Act outlines:

1. Designation and on-going obligations of DSEPS and RSEPS
2. Eligibility Criteria
3. Application Process (Tuition Support and Supplement)
4. Review and Appeal Process