Graduates of Beal University Canada’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in New Brunswick may qualify for Canada Student Loan forgiveness offered by the Government of Canada. While eligibility is not guaranteed, graduates may be considered if they meet the outlined criteria. For more information go to: Government of Canada’s Student Aid website.
Canada Student Loan Forgiveness Overview
The Government of Canada extends loan forgiveness to family doctors, family medicine residents, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, psychiatric nurses, practical nurses, and nurse practitioners who choose to work in under-served rural or remote communities lacking adequate primary health care.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for Canada Student Loan forgiveness, graduates must:
- Start employment as a medical professional in an eligible community on or after July 1, 2011.
- Be employed for a full year, providing in-person services for a minimum of 400 hours in an eligible community (excluding residents in family medicine).
- Have a Canada Student Loan in good standing.
Note: Graduates must continue regular monthly payments if currently in the repayment phase.
Eligible Medical Professionals
The following medical professionals may be eligible:
- Family doctor
- Family medicine resident in training with an accredited medical school in Canada
- Registered nurse
- Registered psychiatric nurse
- Registered practical nurse
- Licensed practical nurse
- Nurse practitioner
Eligible Communities
Under-served rural or remote communities are those located outside metropolitan areas, urban cores with a population of 50,000 or more, and provincial capitals. Graduates can work in multiple eligible communities over the year, totaling at least 400 hours of in-person service over the 12-month period of employment.
Potential Loan Forgiveness Amounts
Over a maximum of 5 years, eligible professionals may receive up to:
$60,000 for family doctors or residents in family medicine
- Year 1: $8,000
- Year 2: $10,000
- Year 3: $12,000
- Year 4: $14,000
- Year 5: $16,000
$30,000 for nurses or nurse practitioners
- Year 1: $4,000
- Year 2: $5,000
- Year 3: $6,000
- Year 4: $7,000
- Year 5: $8,000
Important Details
Loan forgiveness applies to the outstanding loan principal balance after the 12 months of service, and regular payments must be maintained.
The 5 years of service do not have to be consecutive, allowing flexibility for graduates with a Canada Student Loan balance at the end of each service year in an eligible community.
For complete details and to verify eligibility, prospective graduates are encouraged to visit Government of Canada’s Student Aid website.
