Student Loan Forgiveness Applications Open Across Canada Starting March 16

Thousands of Canadians in education, health care, and community services can now apply for federal student loan forgiveness after the government expanded the program to include more professions.

Starting March 16, 2026, eligible workers such as teachers, social workers, dentists, pharmacists and physiotherapists can apply for loan relief through the National Student Loans Service Centre. The program allows qualified applicants to receive up to $30,000 in student loan forgiveness.

Officials expanded the initiative on December 31, 2025, adding ten new occupations to the list of professionals who can benefit.

Government estimates suggest nearly 7,968 borrowers may receive loan forgiveness during the first year. Over the next decade, the number could grow to about 19,025 people each year by 2034–2035.

Program supports workers in smaller communities

The loan forgiveness program focuses on professionals who work in smaller towns and rural areas across Canada.

Eligible communities must have 30,000 residents or fewer or sit outside larger population centres. These communities represent about 11.2 million Canadians, or roughly 30 per cent of the country’s population.

The policy aims to encourage skilled professionals to work in regions that often struggle to attract workers.

Many small towns face ongoing shortages in health care, education and social services. The loan forgiveness program provides financial relief while encouraging professionals to build careers in these areas.

Ten new professions added

Ten new occupations now qualify for federal student loan forgiveness under the expanded program.

These professions include teachers, social workers, psychologists, early childhood educators, dentists, dental hygienists, pharmacists, midwives, physiotherapists and personal support workers.

Most of these professionals can receive up to $30,000 over five years, while early childhood educators can receive up to $15,000 during the same period.

Participants receive the relief gradually each year while they continue working in an eligible community.

Doctors and nurses already qualified for the program in earlier years. Family doctors can receive up to $60,000, while nurses and nurse practitioners can receive up to $30,000.

Where workers can qualify

Many communities across Canada meet the population requirement.

Examples include Belleville, North Bay, Timmins, Cranbrook, Prince George, Medicine Hat, Rimouski, Moose Jaw, Brandon, Corner Brook and Cape Breton.

Large cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa and Halifax do not qualify because their populations exceed the program limit.

However, nearby smaller towns often meet the eligibility rules.

Key requirements for applicants

Workers must meet several conditions before they can receive loan forgiveness.

Applicants must work in one of the approved professions and hold the proper provincial or territorial licence when required.

They must also complete 12 consecutive months of employment in an eligible community. Teachers and certain school professionals must complete 10 continuous months of work in schools.

The program also requires applicants to provide at least 400 hours of in-person services during the work period.

Workers must keep their Canada Student Loan in good standing while applying.

The loan forgiveness applies only to the federal portion of Canada Student Loans. Provincial student loans and private loans do not qualify under this program.

Application deadlines matter

Applicants must submit their request within 90 days after completing their work period.

Missing this deadline will result in a rejected application, and the worker will need to apply again after completing another eligible period.

Officials encourage applicants to review eligibility rules carefully before submitting their forms.