Bursary for Internationally Educated Nurses (BIEN) Frequently Asked Questions

I have submitted my BIEN application. When should I expect to hear back?

We aim to review all applications and complete the approval process promptly. You will receive an update on the status of your application within four weeks of submission regardless of whether your application is successful. If we require additional information, we will contact you sooner.

I have additional documents to submit in support of my application. Who should I contact?

If you have already submitted a BIEN application and need to send additional documents to support your application, please email them to bien@rhpap.ca.

I’m interested in applying for a bridging program. Can I apply for BIEN if I am not yet accepted and enrolled in the program?

No. You are only eligible for BIEN if you are currently enrolled in an approved full-time bridging program at Bow Valley College, Mount Royal University, NorQuest College, or MacEwan University.

I’m enrolled in another healthcare-related program. Am I eligible for BIEN?

No. BIEN is only available to internationally educated nurses currently enrolled in full-time studies in an approved bridging program leading to a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) certification at Bow Valley College, Mount Royal University, NorQuest College, or MacEwan University.

Is there an application deadline?

BIEN funding is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The application portal will close on June 30, or once all available funding has been distributed.

How does RhPAP choose who receives BIEN funding?

We review all BIEN applications in the order in which they were received. If you are eligible and RhPAP confirms your current enrolment in full-time studies in an approved bridging program, you will receive bursary funding.

I’m an internationally educated nurse but I haven’t yet immigrated to Canada. What steps should I follow if I’m interested in BIEN?

To be eligible for BIEN funding, you must currently reside in Alberta and meet one of the following criteria: you are a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada or a protected person, or authorized to study in a Participating Institution and authorized to work in Canada. If you are interested in becoming a permanent resident of Alberta, we recommend consulting an immigration lawyer or visiting the Government of Alberta’s Alberta Advantage Immigration Program website. Additionally, you must be currently enrolled full-time in an approved bridging program at Bow Valley College, Mount Royal University, NorQuest College, or MacEwan University.

Do you help provide a pathway to permanent residency?

RhPAP is not involved in the immigration or citizenship process. For information on becoming a permanent resident of Alberta, we recommend consulting an immigration lawyer or visiting the Government of Alberta’s Alberta Advantage Immigration Program website.

What bridging programs are approved for BIEN funding?

To be eligible for BIEN funding, you must be an internationally educated nurse who is currently enrolled full-time in one of the following approved bridging programs:

1. Bow Valley College: Practical Nurse Diploma for IENs (PNDIEN)
2. Mount Royal University: Bridge to Canadian Nursing
3. NorQuest College: Practical Nurse Diploma for IENs (PNDIEN)
4. MacEwan University: Bridge to Canadian Nursing

How much funding does the BIEN program offer?

The bursary is calculated based on the type and length of the bridging program in which the learner is currently enrolled. This bursary includes (1) a fixed incentive ($3,500) to cover associated fees, (2) funds to help cover living expenses, and (3) support for a portion of tuition based on length of program. The maximum possible bursary is $30,000.

When do BIEN payments get sent?

The bursary is provided in two disbursements:

• The first disbursement, consisting of the $3,500 fixed incentive and 50% of the tuition and living expense support, is transferred within two weeks of signing your Return in Service agreement.
• The second disbursement, consisting of the remaining 50% of tuition and living expense support, is provided upon completion of the bridging program or within 12 months of the first BIEN payment, whichever comes first.

I have received BIEN funding. Will it affect my eligibility for other scholarships, bursaries, or student aid?

BIEN funding is independent of other post-secondary funding. Receiving this bursary does not disqualify you from receiving other forms of financial support. You may hold other scholarships based on your institution’s policy. However, individuals may receive a maximum of one BIEN bursary in their lifetime.

I have already received BIEN funding. Can I apply for BIEN again?

No. Individuals are eligible for a maximum of one BIEN bursary. There are many other scholarships offered by different post-secondary institutions, and we encourage you to explore the awards available through their websites.

Is the bursary taxable?

Yes, BIEN funding is taxable. Recipients will receive a T4A tax form.

Are there rules about how to spend the bursary?

No, RhPAP does not dictate how you spend the bursary. The amount is intended to cover living expenses, tuition, and mandatory fees, but you have the flexibility to allocate the funds as needed.

Does BIEN cover moving and travel expenses?

Recipients may use bursary funding to help cover the cost of moving to a rural community, however additional funding is not provided by RhPAP. The bursary is intended to cover living expenses, tuition, and mandatory fees. Recipients have the flexibility to allocate bursary funds as needed.

If I am unable to complete my bridging program or do not fulfil the Return in Service agreement, will I be required to pay back my bursary?

Yes. If you do not complete your bridging program and/or do not fulfill your Return in Service agreement, you will default from the BIEN Program and will receive instructions to repay the bursary funds you have received (minus the $3,500 fixed incentive).

Do BIEN applicants get paid to work?

The bursary is offered with the expectation that you secure licensing and rural employment within six months of completing an approved bridging program. You will be securing paid employment for your Return in Service term.

How long do I have to find a job upon graduation?

BIEN recipients must obtain licensing and rural employment within six months of graduation. You must work combined full-time hours, but you have the flexibility to secure one full-time position or a combination of part-time positions through public or private health providers.

What are the BIEN-eligible rural communities where I can work upon graduation?

You can find a list of BIEN-eligible rural communities on RhPAP’s website. To fulfill your Return in Service term, you must secure employment in one of these communities.

How do I find a job in rural Alberta?

BIEN recipients can obtain one full-time position or multiple part-time positions in the public or private sectors in any BIEN-eligible rural community. Many job listings are available online through Alberta Health Services, Covenant Health, Indeed, long-term care facilities, and other sources.

I live in Calgary or Edmonton. Can I work there after completing my bridging program?

No. BIEN recipients must fulfil their Return in Service term in a BIEN-eligible rural community.

Failure to secure licensing and rural employment within six months of completing an approved bridging program will result in defaulting on your Return in Service agreement, requiring repayment of the bursary.

What if I can’t find a job in any of the BIEN-eligible communities listed?

BIEN recipients have six months to secure employment (one full-time position or multiple part-time positions in the public or private sectors) after completing an approved bridging program. We encourage recipients to actively and persistently search for job opportunities. Numerous online job sites, including Alberta Health Services, Covenant Health, and Indeed, provide listings that may be helpful in your search.

What happens if I am unable to continue working full-time in a rural community?

If you or your immediate family members experience a change in personal circumstances and you require a temporary leave or extension to complete your Return in Service term, you can submit a request for Compassionate Consideration to bien@rhpap.ca. RhPAP and the Government of Alberta will review each request on a case-by-case basis and respond within four weeks. You must return to school/work after your approved break and notify RhPAP upon your return.

What is a default on my BIEN?

A default is an event where you, the student, fail to meet the requirements set out in the Return in Service Agreement.

What are the events that lead to a default?

A Student commits an Event of Default if the Student:

1. no longer holds a valid Social Insurance Number;
2. if the Student is not a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person, and the Student does not hold a valid study permit (while in the Bridging Program) or a work permit while in the Return in Service Period;
3. fails to maintain a continuous full-time course load expected of a student in that Bridging Program;
4. withdraws from the Bridging Program (voluntary or otherwise);
5. fails to maintain a passing grade in the Bridging Program in any Educational Term;
6. fails to obtain licensing as a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse in Alberta and obtain their College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (“CRNA”) or College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (“CLPNA”) membership within 6 months of the Students graduation from the Bridging Program;
7. fails to obtain Full-time Employment as a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse in a Community in Need within 6 months of graduation from the Bridging Program;
8. fails to continue the Full-time Employment for the full amount of the Return in Service Period, unless otherwise approved by the Minister;
9. fails to provide written information to RhPAP, regarding the Student’s employment status and location of employment;
10. fails to notify RhPAP within 30 days of: a change in any of the Student’s contact information; and/or the student’s receipt of the required licensing to practice nursing as a registered nurse of a licensed practical nurse with the province of Alberta.

Please see Clause 10 of your Return in Service Agreement for more information.

What happens if I don’t complete my bridging program in the expected amount of time?

If approved for BIEN, recipients must complete their approved bridging program in the expected amount of time outlined by their post-secondary institution at the time their enrollment is confirmed. If applicable, one extension of four (4) months may be provided to the recipient due to delays in academic progress or changes in course availability; however, the extension cannot exceed four months or one academic term. If more than one four (4) month extension is needed, the recipient will no longer be eligible for BIEN.

What happens if I default on my BIEN?

If you default on your BIEN, you have a six (6) month grace period to repay the outstanding BIEN amount. RhPAP will provide a letter of outlining the details of the default, which will include the amount of funding that needs to be returned to the Government of Alberta and the date the funding is to be returned by. If you do not repay the BIEN funding within the six (6) month grace period, your BIEN funding will be transferred to Crown Debt Collections. Once your file has been transferred to Crown Debt Collections, they will follow up with you and provide instructions on how to repay your outstanding BIEN funding.

Is a payment plan available if I default on my BIEN?

If you default on BIEN, monthly payment options may be available through Alberta Student Aid. These arrangements will coincide with the six (6) month period for repayment.

What happens if I default and my BIEN funding is sent to Crown Debt Collections?

If you do not repay your BIEN funding in the six (6) month grace period provided and your BIEN funding is transferred to Crown Debt Collections, your file will be assigned to a Government of Alberta contracted collection agency who will connect with you to repay the BIEN funding/debt. The outstanding BIEN debt will collect interest and appear on your credit report. Your BIEN debt may be registered with the Canada Revenue Agency’s Refund Set-Off Program, which allows for eligible Income Tax refunds and/or GST credits to be applied against your BIEN debt.