Spotlight Staff
Alberta’s post secondary students can breathe a sigh of relief.
The provincial government is protecting students from tuition increases in the next academic year by extending the tuition freeze.
The continuation of the freeze through the 2017-18 academic year will allow government to work with stakeholders to review the tuition and fee model in Alberta.
“We know that access to high-quality education and training is the cornerstone of lifelong success in a changing economy. Our students and post-secondary stakeholders are in the best position to help shape what Alberta needs for the future. This review will ensure a long-term solution to keep education accessible and affordable for Albertans,” says Minister of Advanced Education Marlin Schmidt.
The review will help set future direction on how to increase post-secondary costs fairly while also providing students with predictability so they can plan for their education.
In addition to tuition, the consultation will include discussions around mandatory non-instructional fees, international student tuition and how to best support students through student aid.
An estimated 250,000 full- and part-time students and apprentices will save roughly $16 million a year though the freeze on tuition and fees.