Canada Student Loan Forgiveness for Professionals Working in Rural Communities
If you’ve received government student loans for your professional degree and are now back in Canada practicing, you might be eligible for loan forgiveness. Even better news? More occupations have been added to the eligibility list!
Loan forgiveness can only be applied to the outstanding portion of the federal part of your government student loan.
When can you apply?
You can apply if you are in repayment, in study, or in your 6-month non-repayment period. You have 90 days to apply once you have worked in your eligible career for a full year (or 10 months if you’re a teacher).
You will need to re-apply each year to remain eligible.
Who is eligible to apply?
You must meet the following criteria to be eligible to apply:
- Worked in an eligible occupation
- Worked in an eligible community
- Have been employed in your eligible occupation for 12 consecutive months or 10 consecutive months for teachers (this does not apply to residents in family medicine)
- Have provided in-person service for at least 400 hours
- Have a student loan that is in good standing (AKA you’re up to date on your payments)
What occupations are eligible?
As of December 31, 2025, the following occupations are eligible. (The list below is limited to common occupations for OzTREKK alumni. You can see a full list on the Government of Canada’s Student Loan Forgiveness page.)
- Family doctor
- Family medicine resident
- Licensed practical nurse
- Registered nurse
- Dentist
- Pharmacist
- Physiotherapist
- Teacher
The occupations of dentist, pharmacist, physiotherapist, and teacher are new to the list as of December 31, 2025!
What communities are eligible?
You must work in your eligible occupation in an eligible community to apply for loan forgiveness. As of November 6, 2024, eligible communities are considered “rural areas” or “a population with no more than 30,000 people living in it.”
You can work in multiple eligible communities and for multiple employers throughout the year to be eligible, so long as you meet all other eligibility requirements.
How much can be forgiven?
Amounts vary by occupation and by year of renewal. The maximum value is spread over the maximum of five years of renewal.
Practical and registered nurses, teachers, and physiotherapists could receive up to $30,000.
Family doctors, family medicine residents, dentists, and pharmacists could receive up to $60,000.
How to apply?
Doctors and nurses can apply online. Practitioners of all other occupations will need to apply by mail.
For more details please refer to the Government of Canada’s Student Loan Forgiveness page.
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