Thank you for giving me this opportunity. Music is my life and this will help me get to the next level.”
- Kye Clayton, Rap & Music Production
“Thank you for your continued scholarship support in recognition of my achievements in piano performance. I am deeply grateful and honoured for the generous support of the Nova Scotia Talent Trust.”
- Devin Huang, Piano
“My dream is to be an exhibiting artist and your generous gift will enable me to focus on building a strong body of works that can support and promote my career as I come out of college. Thank you again for your generous support.”
- Naomi Zamir, Metalsmithing & Jewellery
“Thank you to the funders, jury, and board members of the Nova Scotia Talent Trust for granting me this funding. I am so grateful for the support and look forward to beginning my Master of Fine Arts at NSCAD!”
- Devon Pennick-Reilly, Screenwriting
Thank you for your generous scholarship and your continued support of my studies. The financial assistance will allow me to focus my time exploring, creating, and growing. It is a great weight off not only my shoulders but my family's as well. We all thank you.”
- Andi Syme, Drawing & Painting
General Scholarships
Our scholarships support emerging Nova Scotian artists pursuing studies in music, dance, theatre, visual arts, literary arts, film, and more. Whether you're just beginning or continuing advanced training, our goal is to help you grow your skills, access opportunities, and take the next step in your artistic journey. Scholarships typically range from $1,000 to $2,500, with some awards reaching up to $4,000.
Application Details :
Eligibility: Emerging Nova Scotian artists studying any artistic discipline.
Application Period: Opens January 2026.
Deadlines: March 1, 2026 for Spring/Summer studies
May 1, 2026 for Fall/Winter studies
Judith A. Grant Bursaries 
Established in 2023 through a generous $2.8 million bequest from arts patron Judith A. Grant, supports Nova Scotian music students pursuing studies at Atlantic Canadian colleges or universities. In its inaugural year, 16 scholarships of up to $5,000 were awarded, with plans to increase to 20 annual scholarships in subsequent years. Additionally, a $10,000 Judith A. Grant Special Award was introduced in 2024.
Application Details :
Eligibility: Nova Scotian students studying music at Atlantic Canadian post-secondary institutions.
Application Period: Opens January 2026.
Deadlines: March 1, 2026 for Spring/Summer studies
May 1, 2026 for Fall/Winter studies
100+ Women Who Care Halifax 
100+WWCH is a volunteer-run giving circle that supports local non-profit organizations in the Halifax Regional Municipality. In June 2023, the Nova Scotia Talent Trust was selected as the recipient of the 100+ Women Who Care Halifax members' pooled donations totalling $14,988. These funds were used to establish the 100+ Women Who Care Scholarships, to be awarded for 3 years or as long as the funds last. Two scholarships of $2500 each will be awarded annually to emerging artists living in the Halifax region.
Application Details :
Eligibility: Emerging artists from the Halifax region who are studying any artistic discipline.
Application Period: Opens January 2026.
Deadlines: March 1, 2026 for Spring/Summer studies
May 1, 2026 for Fall/Winter studies
Hal-Con Scholarship 
In August 2024, the Hal-Con Sci-Fi & Fantasy Association made a significant investment of $30,000 in the Nova Scotia Talent Trust Foundation Endowment. This generous contribution ensures the scholarship will be awarded in perpetuity, providing $1,000 annually to support emerging artists.This scholarship will be awarded annually to an emerging artist or student in the fields of creative arts or gaming development, with preference given to those demonstrating an interest in the Sci-Fi and Fantasy genres.
Application Details :
Eligibility: Emerging artists studying creative arts or game development with an interest in sci-fi/fantasy.
Application Period: Opens January 2026.
Deadlines: March 1, 2026 for Spring/Summer studies
May 1, 2026 for Fall/Winter studies
Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia (WFNS) 
NSTT have partnered to support emerging literary artists through the Alistair MacLeod Mentorship Program.
Beginning in 2025, WFNS reserves two mentorship spots in the Alistair MacLeod Mentorship Program specifically for recipients of NSTT literary scholarships.
If you receive a Talent Trust scholarship and are accepted into the mentorship program, your scholarship contributes to the program, and WFNS covers the remaining cost.
If you’re not accepted into the program, WFNS will help you find a suitable author to provide a private mentorship, supported by your NSTT scholarship.
Application Details :
Eligibility: Pre-professional (emerging) writers who have lived in Nova Scotia for at least two years
Application Periods: By May 1 – Apply to NSTT for a scholarship under the fall/winter studies category.
In your budget, include $2000 for the cost of a four-month mentorship (this is the standard mentor honorarium).
By early October – Apply to the Alistair MacLeod Mentorship Program through WFNS.
CN Halifax Community Board Scholarship 
The CN Halifax Community Fund Scholarship is a $1,000 award presented annually by NSTT to support the development of emerging Nova Scotian artists. Made possible through the generous support of the CN Halifax Community Board, this scholarship reflects CN’s commitment to community investment and the advancement of the arts in Nova Scotia.
Application Details :
Eligibility: Emerging Nova Scotian artists studying any artistic discipline.
Application Period: Opens January 2026.
Deadlines: March 1, 2026 for Spring/Summer studies
May 1, 2026 for Fall/Winter studies
The Anne-Marie Woods Africentric Travel Scholarship 
Established in 2022 by award-winning artist and community leader Anne-Marie Woods, this $1,000 scholarship assists individuals aged 18–35 with travel expenses related to presenting, teaching, performing, or engaging in professional development opportunities such as residencies, internships, or mentorships, both nationally and internationally. The initiative seeks to break down financial, racial, and regional barriers, ensuring that talented Black artists have the resources and support to advance their artistic careers.
Application Details :
Eligibility: Black youth in Nova Scotia pursuing careers in theatre or spoken word
Deadline: Applications for the scholarship are currently closed and are expected to reopen in 2026.
Please sign up for our email newsletter to receive reminders of the Application Deadlines well ahead of time.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity. Music is my life and this will help me get to the next level.”
- Kye Clayton, Rap & Music Production
“Thank you for your continued scholarship support in recognition of my achievements in piano performance. I am deeply grateful and honoured for the generous support of the Nova Scotia Talent Trust.”
- Devin Huang, Piano
“My dream is to be an exhibiting artist and your generous gift will enable me to focus on building a strong body of works that can support and promote my career as I come out of college. Thank you again for your generous support.”
- Naomi Zamir, Metalsmithing & Jewellery
“Thank you to the funders, jury, and board members of the Nova Scotia Talent Trust for granting me this funding. I am so grateful for the support and look forward to beginning my Master of Fine Arts at NSCAD!”
- Devon Pennick-Reilly, Screenwriting
Thank you for your generous scholarship and your continued support of my studies. The financial assistance will allow me to focus my time exploring, creating, and growing. It is a great weight off not only my shoulders but my family's as well. We all thank you.”
- Andi Syme, Drawing & Painting
