Christine Kay
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (July 22/02) - Nunavummiut heading to college or university this fall got some good news last week: more money is on the way.

Not everyone will benefit from the 22 per cent increase in student living allowances under the Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students program. Non-beneficiaries are not eligible for the living allowance. Ian Rose, director of policy for the Department of Education, said eligibility criteria are laid down in the Student Financial Assistance Act. "Non-beneficiaries in the Northwest Territories never received the living allowance," Rose pointed out. And Nunavut's Act is identical to its neighbouring territory's act. Non-beneficiaries are, however, eligible for a forgivable loan of up to $3,200. If the student returns to live in Nunavut upon completing his or her studies, the loan is forgiven over time. If the student does not return, it must be repaid. Depending on how long a student attended primary and secondary school in Nunavut, eligibility for other benefits will be considered. "The student has to have completed school in Nunavut. The student will receive one year of funding for every three years of school in Nunavut," said Rose. All students in Nunavut, who fit the eligibility criteria, get return airfare from their community to their school of choice and $2,500 per year for tuition.

Starting Sept. 1, student living allowance rates under the Department of Education's financial assistance for Nunavut students program (FANS) will increase an average of 22 per cent.

"Over the last several years, we've heard students tell us that it's getting increasingly difficult. This will help them survive and continue with their education," said Ian Rose, director of policy for the Department of Education.

A single student will now receive $825 a month, up from the $675 they received in the past. A family of four with an unemployed spouse will go from $1,205 a month to $1,680.

Karla Serkoak said she's happy with the change. She is going into her second year at Trent University in Ontario, studying math and chemistry.

Serkoak found out last week she qualifies for FANS support again this year. She learned about the increase at the same time.

She said it will help a lot. Last year, Serkoak was living in a dorm for which she paid a fixed amount to cover living expenses. But she and four other friends are moving into an apartment this fall.

"It's more rent and bills too, but we'll be getting $825 a month now. That's almost $1,000. That's pretty good," she said.

Serkoak knows the increase will help, but she's making sure she'll be comfortable this September by working two summer jobs. As the co-ordinator for the summer day camp and a cashier at North Mart, Serkoak hopes she'll be able to cover her tuition.

"I really do feel lucky. My friends down South were amazed at what I'm getting through FANS," she said.

Applications are available by calling the FANS office toll-free number at 1-877-860-0680.

Students are encouraged to get their applications in as soon as possible. There is a 30-day processing period.