Canada Student Loan Forgiveness for RSWs (rural and remote communities)

As of December 31, 2025, Registered Social Workers can claim up to $30,000 in federal student loan forgiveness when working in rural and remote communities.

To learn more about program roll-out and eligibility, click here.

CASW would like to thank its Provincial and Territorial Partner Organizations, past and present Board members, and staff for their support and continuous advocacy through successive federal governments to achieve this meaningful win for social workers across Canada.

A special thank you to all members who joined CASW’s advocacy efforts and sent communications to Members of Parliament, Ministers, and successive Prime Ministers—demanding the inclusion of social work in Canada Student Loan Forgiveness.

Eligibility – At a Glance

• Must work as a Registered Social Worker in an eligible community (no more than 30,000 people) – Postal Code Lookup
• Provide at least 400 hours of in-person services each year that you apply for loan forgiveness.
• Have your Canada Student Loan in good standing (payments up to date).
• You can be in school, in your 6-month non-repayment period, or already repaying. Your status is flexible as long as you meet the work and service requirements.