The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has introduced amendments to the Student Financial Assistance Regulations under the Student Financial Assistance Act, 2019, through Regulation 59/25. These updates are designed to improve the structure and delivery of student financial support, including both repayable and non-repayable assistance, and to broaden the eligibility for debt reduction grants. The revisions provide increased financial support to students attending Memorial University, particularly those enrolled in its medical program, and create more flexible options for students studying outside the province.

Under the revised regulations, the structure of financial assistance has been adjusted to distribute aid in a specific sequence and amount. Students who qualify will now receive financial assistance in four tiers. First, they may be granted a non-repayable Memorial University Tuition Relief Grant of up to $420 per course. Second, they can receive up to $120 per week of study in the form of a student loan. Third, students are eligible for an additional non-repayable grant of up to $120 per week, with an increased amount of up to $145 per week for those enrolled in the medical school at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Fourth, medical students at Memorial may receive an additional student loan of up to $35 per week. This expanded support structure recognizes the unique financial pressures faced by students in high-cost programs like medicine and aims to ease the burden of post-secondary education.

The amendments also modify the financial aid available to students studying outside Newfoundland and Labrador. Normally, such students will be eligible for a student loan of up to $240 per week. However, several exceptions have been added to allow the Minister to approve additional support in specific circumstances. These include situations where the student’s program of study is not offered in the province, where they are pursuing graduate-level education, or where the program differs substantially from what is available locally. Additional exceptions apply to students who were academically qualified for similar programs outside the province but did not meet the entry criteria for provincial institutions, or who were denied entry due to limited space. Students who have earned advanced standing through transfer credits or who are accompanying a partner who meets any of these conditions may also qualify for increased support. Furthermore, the Minister may approve aid under any other reason deemed appropriate. These changes aim to ensure fair access to financial aid for students whose circumstances require them to study elsewhere.

Changes have also been made to the criteria for debt reduction grants. Previously, eligibility required completion of a program of at least 80 weeks in duration. Under the new rules, students who begin their programs on or after August 1, 2025, will only need to complete a program of at least 60 weeks to qualify. This reduction in the required duration is intended to make debt reduction more accessible and better aligned with the evolving structure of educational programs. In addition, a minor textual adjustment has been made to paragraph 6(1)(b) of the regulations, where the word “and” at the end has been removed to allow for more flexible construction of the eligibility requirements.

Newfoundland & Labrador (59/2025) July 23, 2025
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