StudentAid NB provides financial assistance for New Brunswick residents pursuing post-secondary education. Here’s your complete guide.
New Brunswick Student Aid Overview
| Feature |
Details |
| Program |
StudentAid NB |
| Website |
studentaid.gnb.ca |
| Application |
One application for federal + NB |
| Interest rate |
0% (interest-free) |
| Grace period |
6 months |
Types of New Brunswick Funding
Grants (Free Money)
| Grant |
Maximum |
Notes |
| Canada Student Grant |
$4,200/year |
Federal, income-based |
| New Brunswick Bursary |
Varies |
Provincial, need-based |
| Canada Student Grant (Disabilities) |
$4,000/year |
Documentation required |
| Canada Student Grant (Part-time) |
$1,800/year |
Part-time students |
Loans (Repayable)
| Loan |
Weekly Maximum |
| Canada Student Loan |
$210/week |
| New Brunswick Student Loan |
Additional based on need |
New Brunswick Tuition Rebate
Major incentive to stay in NB after graduation:
| Feature |
Details |
| Amount |
Up to $4,000/year |
| Maximum |
$20,000 total |
| Requirement |
Live and work in NB |
| Claim |
Non-refundable provincial tax credit |
| Eligibility |
Graduates from designated programs |
How the Tuition Rebate Works
| Year After Graduation |
Rebate |
| Year 1 |
Up to $4,000 |
| Year 2 |
Up to $4,000 |
| Year 3 |
Up to $4,000 |
| Year 4 |
Up to $4,000 |
| Year 5 |
Up to $4,000 |
| Total |
Up to $20,000 |
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement |
Details |
| Residency |
NB resident 12+ months before applying |
| Citizenship |
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 |
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 |
— |
— |