If you are currently studying to be an early childhood educator (ECE) or considering a career in the sector, Nova Scotia’s Excellence in Early Childhood Education workforce strategy is designed to support you in your career path.
The strategy reduces barriers to access to training and ensures individuals entering the sector are supported by career professions to navigate training and career pathways. The Excellence in Early Childhood Education strategy aims to build a strong workforce of ECEs who are professionally recognized, highly skilled, and committed to lifelong learning.
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Explore the various workforce initiatives and opportunities that are available to you and find answers to your questions about the Excellence in Early Childhood Education workforce strategy.

Bursaries for Diploma/Degree Students

One-time bursaries for up to 300 students currently enrolled full time in an ECE diploma or degree program in Nova Scotia. Learn how to apply for a bursary of up to $3,250, or $7,500 for students in one of six equity seeking groups. Applications closed October 31, 2021.
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD) is providing 300 students currently enrolled in full-time ECE diploma programs in Nova Scotia with a one-time bursary of $3,250 in the 2021–22 academic year.
There will also be funds for up to 25 students enrolled full-time at Mount Saint Vincent University in the Child and Youth Study program (Bachelor of Applied Arts) with an emphasis on early childhood education.
To support Nova Scotia’s focus on the development of a diverse and inclusive workforce, students in the following designated groups will be eligible for $7,500 in assistance:
  • Mi’kmaq/Indigenous,
  • Black/African Nova Scotian,
  • Another racially visible group,
  • Acadian/francophone,
  • Persons with disabilities,
  • 2SLGBTQ+,
  • and Newcomer.

Contact and Assistance Information
For information about the application process, please contact your post-secondary institution.
For general information about the bursary, please email us at: ecetraining@novascotia.ca

Can I apply to continuing education to cover the cost of the courses not covered through this funding support program?

The Continuing Education Program is available for students who are studying part-time while they work. The bursary program is for full-time students.

How will funds be distributed and what can the bursary money be used for?

Payments will be issued to the training institution on behalf of successful applicants in late January 2022, once the student’s fall academic standing has been confirmed by their training institution and after the deadline to withdraw from the winter 2022 term.

The training institution will apply the bursary to each successful student’s account.

How can I apply if I belong to one of the designated equity-deserving groups?

Individuals who identify as Mi’kmaq/Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotian, another racially visible group, Acadian/francophone, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+, or newcomer will self-identify during the application process.

How can I apply for the bursary?

Students must apply directly through their post-secondary institution. Please contact your institution for bursary terms and conditions, and application instructions and deadlines.

Who is eligible for this one-time bursary?

To be eligible for the bursary, individuals must meet all the following requirements:

  • Be enrolled as a full-time* student in an ECE diploma program at one of the approved training institutions in Nova Scotia:
    • CBBC Career College,
    • Island Career Academy,
    • Jane Norman College,
    • Nova Scotia College of Early Childhood Education,
    • Université Sainte-Anne,
    • Nova Scotia Community College,
      OR
    • Be enrolled full-time in the Bachelor of Applied Arts, Child and Youth Study degree program at Mount Saint Vincent University
  • Complete the fall 2021 term in good academic standing and enroll in the winter 2022 term
  • Be a resident of Nova Scotia (temporary foreign workers, international students, or any other person in Canada on a temporary resident visa do not qualify)
  • Submit a Bursary Application form to their training institution


The following students are not eligible to apply: 

  • Students currently enrolled in an ECE diploma or degree program already funded by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD), and
  • Students who are currently receiving other EECD funding 

*Full-time enrollment is defined by the post-secondary institution.

High School Transition to ECE Diplomas

Over the next few years, EECD will work with partners in public schools and post-secondary institutions to offer high school students career counselling and college credit courses in early childhood education. Learn more.

Which high school courses will count towards an ECE credit?

EECD is working with training institution partners on developing what this will look like in the future. This work is expected to be complete by 2025.