Alberta Invests $15M to Train, Support Internationally Educated Nurses

The Alberta government says it will create more than 600 new seats for nurse bridging programs and investing in a new bursary for internationally educated nurses. The investment is part of the province’s plan to strengthen the health-care system.

The government said the 600 new seats will be created in nurse bridging programs at Bow Valley College, NorQuest College and Mount Royal University, starting 2023-2024 academic year.

The investment will fund 120 new seats at Bow Valley College, 250 new seats at NorQuest College and 256 new seats at Mount Royal University.

The province will invest $7.8 million annually to “fund non-repayable financial assistance for internationally educated nurses.” Nurses who are eligible will have access to $30,000 over five years to help with tuition, bridging programs and living expenses starting 2023-2024 academic year.

Beneficiaries of the bursary will be required to complete a year of nursing service in Alberta for every $6,000 disbursed. The government said the “amount of eligible bursary will be determined based on the individual’s course of study, tuition costs, licensing and programing fees, with a minimum of $8,000 awarded.”

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