Advanced Education Minister Marlin Schmidt announced an extended tuition freeze on Wednesday. (CBC)
The tuition freeze for post-secondary students in Alberta will continue for the 2017-18 academic year while the government conducts a tuition review.
An estimated 250,000 full- and part-time students and apprentices will save roughly $16 million a year through the freeze on tuition and fees, the government said in a news release Wednesday.
“This review will ensure a long-term solution to keep education accessible and affordable for Albertans,” Advanced Education Minister Marlin Schmidt said in a news release Wednesday.
The review will cover topics such as mandatory non-instructional fees, international student tuition, student aid and long-term planning for post-secondary costs.
Several student organizations welcomed the announcement.
University of Alberta president David Turpin said in the news release that the U of A looks forward to “developing a funding model that will ensure the high-quality education that Albertans expect and deserve.”
Students and others can provide feedback at tuitionreview.alberta.ca.
The government will also meet with institutions and student groups for feedback.