Free Tuition In New Brunswick: Who Qualifies?

The Government of New Brunswick is offering free tuition for residents pursuing careers in the human services sector. This includes programs for Personal Support Worker (PSW), Home Support Worker (HSW), and Child and Youth Care with Addictions Support Worker. To qualify for free tuition, individuals must be Canadian permanent residents or citizens. This initiative aims to address the rising demand for personal caregivers due to an aging population and the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding covers not only tuition but also other eligible costs such as transportation, living expenses, and childcare. In addition to government support, students can explore other financial aid options like loans, grants, and bursaries to help with the costs of post-secondary education.

Free tuition for healthcare courses

The New Brunswick government has introduced a full-tuition grant for Canadian permanent residents or citizens enrolling in specific healthcare programs. This grant is part of an initiative to address recruitment shortages in the province and attract more people to high-demand sectors.

Qualifying Courses

The full-tuition grant is available for the following courses:

• Personal Support Worker (PSW)
• Home Support Worker (HSW)
• Child and Youth Care with Addictions Support Worker

Course Details

The Personal Support Worker program trains students to work under the supervision of medical professionals. PSWs work directly with patients to implement their healthcare plan, administer medication, aid with day-to-day care, and monitor and communicate the patient's condition. This program includes internships ranging from 3 to 9 weeks.

The Child and Youth Care with Addictions Support Worker program prepares students to work with children, youth, and their families. Students will learn to help their clients overcome everyday difficulties, promote healthy behaviours, and support those with developmental and functional issues or those in rehabilitation programs. This program includes a 6-week internship.

Additional Funding

In addition to covering tuition fees, the grant may also cover other eligible costs, such as transportation, living expenses, and childcare.

Student loans and grants

The province of New Brunswick provides financial assistance to its residents pursuing college education through loans, grants, and bursaries. The New Brunswick government, in collaboration with the federal government, has established an integrated system for student loans and grants. Residents of the province can apply for various grants, loans, and bursaries with a single application.

The eligibility criteria for student loans and grants are based on the applicant's annual income, including their family's financial situation, and their specific financial needs for tuition fees and living expenses. Grants are non-repayable, while loans must be repaid.

New Brunswick Loans and Grants

New Brunswick offers an array of loans and grants to support students in their academic pursuits. With a single application, individuals can assess their eligibility for numerous grants, loans, and bursaries provided by both the provincial and federal governments. This streamlined process simplifies access to financial aid and ensures that students can leverage the available resources to fund their education.

New Brunswick Bursaries

In addition to grants and loans, New Brunswick boasts impressive bursary programs designed to make post-secondary education more accessible and affordable. Two notable bursaries are The Renewed Tuition Bursary Program (RTB) and The New Brunswick Bursary (NBB). The RTB is available to students whose income or family income falls within the provincial government's threshold. The maximum amount offered through this bursary is $3000 per academic year for university students and $1500 per year for college students, applicable to degree programs as well as post-secondary diploma and certification courses. The NBB serves as a supplementary bursary, providing additional support when the maximum loan limit falls short of covering an applicant's financial needs. Eligible undergraduate, diploma, or certification course students can receive up to $130 per academic week through the NBB.

Scholarships and bursaries

New Brunswick Government Initiatives

The New Brunswick government has introduced a full-tuition grant for residents of the province who are enrolled in specific human services programs, including Personal Support Worker, Home Support Worker, and Child and Youth Care with Addictions Support Worker. This initiative aims to address the rising demand for personal caregivers in the province.

NBCC Scholarships and Bursaries

The New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) offers various scholarships, bursaries, and awards to its students. Here are some examples:

• NBCC Foundation Awards: Annual scholarships and bursaries are offered to full-time students studying at any NBCC campus.
• NBCC Family of Alumni Scholarship: Two scholarships are awarded annually to children or grandchildren of past NBCC graduates, made possible by TD Insurance.
• New Brunswick Public Colleges Entrance Scholarship: This scholarship is for Anglophone and Francophone New Brunswick high school graduates accepted into any NBCC campus.
• Former Youth in Care Tuition Bursary: A tuition and program fees waiver for individuals who spent more than 12 months in foster care, group homes, or other forms of care in New Brunswick.
• Joyce Family Foundation Bursary: Each bursary awards $2000, with a maximum of 50 bursaries distributed across different semesters.
• J.D. Irving, Limited Bursary: Up to 12 students per academic year receive full tuition coverage, paid in two instalments at the start of the Fall and Winter terms.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

In addition to the scholarships and bursaries offered by the New Brunswick government and NBCC, there are numerous other opportunities available. These include scholarships and bursaries offered by private organizations, non-profit groups, and industry-specific associations. Here are some examples:

• Learning Disabilities Association of New Brunswick Scholarship: This scholarship is for students with learning disabilities in New Brunswick.
• Joseph G. Doria Exemplary Student Award: For students demonstrating academic excellence, a passion for the welding industry, and community involvement, who are entering a full-time welding technician or engineering program.
• Metal Supermarkets Trade School Scholarship: Metal Supermarkets offers four $2,500 scholarships to support students pursuing careers in trade industries.
• FurnacePrices.ca Scholarship: A $1,000 scholarship is offered to students who speak out on issues that matter to them, such as climate change, mental health, or educational equity.
• BridgesEDU $1,000 Scholarship: This scholarship helps one winning applicant pay for education costs.
• Danny Lanteigne Memorial Scholarship: Awarded in memory of Danny Lanteigne's contributions to the water and wastewater industry and First Nations communities.
• The RBC Future Launch Scholarship: 450 scholarships of $1500 each are awarded across Canada to support a wide range of learning opportunities and associated costs.
• Helen Bassett Commemorative Student Award: A $1,000 award celebrating positive changes created by indigenous women and gender-diverse individuals. It is given to four individuals who are 30 years of age or younger and enrolled in post-secondary studies, with priority given to certain fields.

These are just a few examples of the many scholarships and bursaries available to students in New Brunswick. It is recommended to explore the scholarship websites mentioned earlier and connect with local high school guidance counsellors for more information on local, regional, and school-based opportunities.

Free tuition for underrepresented students

Rutgers University–New Brunswick is committed to ensuring that all qualified students, including those from underrepresented backgrounds, have access to the support they need to succeed. The Scarlet Guarantee is a financial assistance initiative that provides four years of free tuition and fees for certain qualified students from underrepresented and limited-income backgrounds. This initiative is available to first- and second-year undergraduate students who are New Jersey residents with a family adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less. For students with family incomes of $65,000 or less, the Scarlet Guarantee means attending Rutgers–New Brunswick tuition-free.

Additionally, the New Brunswick government has announced a full-tuition grant for residents of the province pursuing select programs in the healthcare sector. This includes programs such as Personal Support Worker, Home Support Worker, and Child and Youth Care with Addictions Support Worker. These programs are designed to address the rising demand for personal caregivers due to an aging population and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualifying New Brunswick residents can have their full tuition covered at institutions like Eastern College, which offers hands-on training and internships in these high-demand fields.

To further support students in need, both the Provincial/Territorial Government and the Government of Canada collaborate to provide student financial assistance. This includes loans, grants, and bursaries to help students access post-secondary education. Students are assessed for two types of funding: student loan funds that must be repaid and grants and bursaries that do not require repayment. Additionally, institutions like Eastern College offer their own bursaries and scholarships to help students finance their education.

These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent underrepresented and limited-income students from pursuing higher education. By providing access to free tuition and financial assistance, these programs empower students to succeed in their chosen fields and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive society.

Free tuition for low-income students

Rutgers University–New Brunswick offers a free tuition program for qualified students from low-income backgrounds. The Scarlet Guarantee provides significant financial support to first- and second-year undergraduate students who are New Jersey residents with a family adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less. For those with family incomes of $65,000 or less, the Scarlet Guarantee covers tuition fees for the first two years of study. This initiative, in combination with New Jersey's Garden State Guarantee program, can make four years of college accessible for qualified students.

Additionally, the New Brunswick government has introduced a full-tuition grant for residents enrolled in specific high-demand healthcare programs. This opportunity covers the full cost of tuition for qualifying students pursuing careers as Personal Support Workers, Home Support Workers, or Child and Youth Care with Addictions Support Workers. These programs are offered at Eastern College, where students can benefit from internships and instruction by experienced professionals. To be eligible for this grant, you must be a Canadian permanent resident or citizen.

Both the Provincial/Territorial Government and the Government of Canada collaborate to provide student financial assistance. Loans, grants, and bursaries are available to help students access post-secondary education. Students are assessed for two types of funding: loans that must be repaid and grants or bursaries that do not require repayment. Various financial support options are available to make college education more accessible and affordable.

Frequently asked questions