Our History

StudentsNS was founded in 2003 as the Alliance of Nova Scotia Student Associations (ANSSA). Students had identified the need for a united voice in Nova Scotia, where they faced the highest tuition in Canada, underfunded universities and no needs-based grants, leading to a steady decline in enrolment levels across the province.

Its founding members were the Acadia Students’ Union, Dalhousie Students’ Union, Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association, and the St. Francis Xavier University Students’ Union.

The new organization was established to advocate on behalf of students with all levels of government, with institutions, in the media, and within Nova Scotia communities. It was, and is, focused on post-secondary education across the province, not just on single campuses.

In 2009 The Cape Breton University Students’ Union joined the group and then the Atlantic School of Theology Student Union joined in 2011.

In 2013-14 the Kingstec Nova Scotia Community College Student Association (NSCCSA) became StudentsNS’ first community college member, joining first as an Associate Member before moving to full member status. As well, Dalhousie Agricultural Students Association (DASA) in Truro joined StudentsNS as a full member, before withdrawing in 2014 for financial reasons.

StudentsNS also experienced significant membership changes in early 2015, with Dalhousie Student Union’s decision to disaffiliate and the Annapolis Valley NSCC Student Association’s (AVNSCCSA) decision to officially join our provincial student coalition. Cape Breton University Students’ Union disaffiliated for financial reasons.

In 2022, the Cape Breton University Students’ Union rejoined as members of Students Nova Scotia.

Follow Us

News