Rural Health Professions Action Plan

Bursary for Internationally Educated Nurses (BIEN)

The Bursary for Internationally Educated Nurses (BIEN) provides funding to internationally educated nurses as they complete the bridging training required to practise as a licensed practical nurse or a registered nurse, in exchange for a period of time spent working in rural Alberta. The BIEN Program offers up to $30,000 per learner based on the type and length of the bridging program in which the learner is enrolled. This bursary includes a $3,500 fixed incentive to cover associated fees, support for a portion of tuition based on length of program, and living expenses based on length of program. The bursary is offered with the expectation that licensing and rural employment, through a public or private provider, is secured within six months of completing an approved bridging program. Successful applicants must sign a return-in-service agreement to practise nursing in an eligible rural Alberta community. This return-in-service term will be calculated based on one year of full-time rural service for every $6,000 in bursary funding received.