Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
Key Facts for 2025–2026:
The Marion L. Reid Grant provides $3,200 per academic year (up to a maximum of $12,800 over 4 years) for PEI residents enrolled in eligible healthcare programs at universities or colleges anywhere in Canada. Following graduation, you must return to PEI to work in your healthcare field within 12 months. This grant has been available since fall 2024.
The Marion L. Reid Grant was introduced in fall 2024 to help PEI residents pursue healthcare careers by reducing the financial barrier of attending eligible healthcare programs, most of which are only available outside the Island. The grant is provided each academic year of eligible study and is conditional on returning to Prince Edward Island to work in your healthcare field after graduation.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Marion L. Reid Grant, you must:
- Be a PEI resident. The same residency definition as the provincial student loan applies — you (or your family, for dependent students) must have most recently maintained a home in PEI for at least 12 consecutive months before beginning post-secondary education.
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person with a valid Social Insurance Number.
- Be enrolled in an eligible healthcare program at a university or college anywhere in Canada. Though most eligible programs are only available outside PEI, UPEI’s Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner programs are also eligible.
- Commit to returning to PEI to work in your healthcare field of study following graduation. You will have 12 months after graduation to secure full-time employment in your field anywhere in PEI.
- Not be receiving the George Coles Bursary in the same academic year. However, if you received the George Coles Bursary in a previous degree or diploma, you are eligible to apply for the Marion L. Reid Grant in your current program.
Important — Return-to-PEI Condition:
If you do not complete the terms of the Marion L. Reid Grant Agreement — including returning to PEI to work in your healthcare field — the grant becomes a debt owing to the Government of PEI and must be repaid in full. You are responsible for finding your own healthcare employment; the grant does not guarantee or arrange employment for you.
Amount and Duration
| Grant Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual grant amount | $3,200 per academic year |
| Maximum duration | Up to 4 academic years |
| Maximum total grant | $12,800 |
You may apply in any year of study, including the current academic year. However, the grant is not retroactive — you cannot apply for academic years that have already been completed.
How Grant Funds Are Delivered
Grant funds are credited directly to your student account at your post-secondary institution — they are not paid directly to you. If your studies begin in fall, you can expect to receive the grant in January or February of that academic year. You must provide an updated application form and transcript each year to verify continued eligibility.
How to Apply
Complete the online web form on the PEI Government website to request an application package. The package includes the application form, the Marion L. Reid Grant Agreement, and a FAQ document. Read all documents carefully before signing. Contact Student Financial Services at studentloan@gov.pe.ca or (902) 368-4640 with any questions.
Other Financial Aid Options
The Marion L. Reid Grant can be combined with the PEI Student Loan, the PEI Provincial Grant, and Canada Student Grants. After graduation, if you have a PEI provincial student loan balance, you may also apply for the Debt Reduction Grant.
Ready to find a healthcare program? Explore eligible schools today.
