Online Schools in NEW BRUNSWICK

As one of the country's three Maritime provinces, New Brunswick is located in eastern Canada and borders the United States at Maine. Approximately a third of its more than 750,000 residents speak French, and New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual province in the country.

After years of seeing its population decline, New Brunswick experienced 3 percent growth from 2006 to 2011. The 2011 census found Saint John is still the largest city in the province, followed closely by Moncton and Fredericton, the capital city. However, many outlying communities throughout the region have seen significant growth in recent years as well.

New Brunswick colleges and universities offer a variety of learning opportunities for students coming to the province and hoping to capitalize on its growing communities and diversifying economy.

Three-year plan focuses on economic growth

Traditionally, the New Brunswick economy has been supported by industries, such as mining and oil, that are related to natural resources. However, the province has been working to diversify its economy and foster growth in technology-based sectors.

To that end, in 2012, New Brunswick launched a three-year plan focused on economic redevelopment. In that plan, the province identified six priority sectors. They are:

• Value-added wood
• Value-added food
• Information and communication technology
• Industrial fabrication
• Biosciences
• Aerospace and defense

Because of the emphasis on growth in these areas, students attending universities in New Brunswick, Canada, may want to consider studying for an occupation in one these priority areas.

Beyond simply focusing on key sectors, the New Brunswick government has also made it a goal to attract and retain top talent. To that end, it hopes to increase the availability of high-paying and full-time positions in the province. This commitment to job growth may make New Brunswick not only a good place to study, but to live and work, too.

Universities in New Brunswick

Despite being a small province, New Brunswick is home to a number of postsecondary institutions. There are public and private universities that offer degree programs, as well as colleges offering diploma and certificate programs in a variety of fields.

The province's universities include the following public chartered schools.

• Mount Allison University
• St. Thomas University
• Universite de Moncton
• University of New Brunswick

In addition, there are several private chartered universities and other schools recognized by the Degree Granting Act. They include:

• Meritus University
• University of Fredericton
• Yorkville University
• Crandall University
• Kingswood University
• St. Stephen's University

New Brunswick colleges include four public institutions, along with dozens of private career colleges. Some of these schools, such as New Brunswick Community College and College Communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick, offer training and classes online, aside from the traditional on-campus courses.

Beyond the provincial borders, a number of online colleges in both the U.S. and Canada provide students with access to additional educational programs

Financial aid for New Brunswick colleges

College and university students will find the Canadian and New Brunswick governments offer several assistance programs to resident that potentially can help make higher education more affordable.

While each has different eligibility criteria, the following programs are among those that could help students pay their tuition costs.

• New Brunswick Timely Completion Benefit
• New Brunswick Tuition Rebate
• Golden Jubilee Scholarship
• New Brunswick Opportunities Fund
• Canada Student Grant
• New Brunswick Bursary

In addition, students from both Canada and abroad may be eligible for private scholarship, grant and loan programs. Information on these programs can be found by searching online or by contacting the financial aid offices of New Brunswick colleges to request additional information. For details on government programs, students and their families can visit the New Brunswick Student Financial Services website.