Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person
Enrollment
Full-time (60%+) or part-time
Program
Approved post-secondary program
How to Apply
Step
Action
1
Create account at studentaid.gnb.ca
2
Complete online application
3
Submit required documents
4
Receive assessment (4-6 weeks)
5
Sign MSFAA (first-time)
6
Funding released
Application Deadlines
Apply at least 6-8 weeks before classes. Final deadline is 60 days before end of study period.
How Much Can You Get?
Situation
Approximate Funding
Low income, away from home
$14,000-$18,000+
Middle income, at home
$5,000-$9,000
Higher income
Mostly loans if eligible
Repayment Information
Terms
Feature
Details
Interest rate
0%
Grace period
6 months after leaving studies
Standard term
9.5 years
Maximum term
14.5 years
Monthly Payment Examples
Total Debt
10-Year Payment
$20,000
$167/month
$30,000
$250/month
Repayment Assistance (RAP)
If payments are unaffordable:
Stage
Years
Benefit
Stage 1
1-5
Reduced payments
Stage 2
6-10
Government pays principal
Apply at NSLSC.ca. Must reapply every 6 months.
Additional NB Programs
New Brunswick Student Bursary
Feature
Details
Type
Provincial grant
Repayment
None required
Assessment
Automatic with StudentAid NB
Free Tuition for Low-Income Students
NB has programs to provide free tuition for students from low-income families. Check StudentAid NB for current eligibility thresholds.
Bilingual Programs
Feature
Details
French programs
Additional grants may be available
Bilingual opportunities
NB’s official bilingualism creates unique programs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NB Tuition Rebate?
A tax credit of up to $20,000 over 5 years for NB graduates who stay and work in the province. One of Canada’s most generous graduate retention programs.
Can I study outside New Brunswick?
Yes, at designated institutions across Canada. You remain on StudentAid NB as an NB resident.
How do I qualify for free tuition programs?
Family income thresholds apply. Check StudentAid NB for the current threshold (approximately $60,000 for free tuition programs).
Is the Tuition Rebate automatic?
No. You must file NB income taxes and claim the rebate. You need documentation proving NB residence and employment.
Comparison: Atlantic Province Programs
Feature
NB
NS
PEI
NL
Interest-free loans
✓
✓
✓
✓
Provincial bursary
✓
✓
✓
✓
Graduate retention
$20K rebate
Scholarship
—
—
Frequently asked questions
How much can NB students borrow in student loans?
New Brunswick students can receive up to the combined federal-provincial maximum through the integrated Canada-NB loan system. The federal component (NSLSC) provides up to ~$300/week; the NB provincial component adds additional funding based on assessed need. Total funding varies by family income, study period, and school costs. The maximum combined federal + provincial support for a dependent student from a low-income family is approximately $12,000–$15,000/year.
Is NB student loan interest-free?
Federal student loans became interest-free in 2023. New Brunswick provincial student loans continue to charge interest on the provincial portion after graduation. The provincial interest rate is tied to prime rate (variable). NB has introduced various loan forgiveness and remission programs for graduates who remain in New Brunswick and work in priority sectors.
What is the NB Graduate Retention Program?
New Brunswick offers student loan forgiveness through the Graduate Retention Program for graduates who return to or remain in New Brunswick after completing post-secondary studies. Eligible graduates can receive up to $20,000 over 6 years in provincial student loan remissions. Healthcare professionals (nurses, physicians, allied health) may qualify for additional forgiveness under separate provincial programs. Check the Government of New Brunswick’’s StudentAid NB portal for current program details.