Affordability Framework

Download the Affordability Policy Framework

The Affordability Policy Framework was developed in alignment with recommendations from A Learning Alberta and through extensive stakeholder consultation. It includes a comprehensive set of strategies to enhance student financial assistance and a revised Tuition Fees Regulation.

The framework sets the following policy directions for affordable post-secondary education:

  • Affordability is key to raising participation and educational attainment levels, particularly among groups currently under-represented in the system.
  • Tuition fees should be predictable and affordable and reflect a cost-sharing principle.
  • Students should be motivated, inspired and well-informed about opportunities, costs, resources and benefits from obtaining a post-secondary education.
  • Student financial assistance should be simplified, flexible, and responsive to learner diversity.
  • Student financial assistance programs should ensure learners have the resources they need while ensuring students graduate with manageable debts.

Through Budget 2006, 2007, and 2008, the province has implemented a number of important strategies that continue to provide significant benefits to learners. These include

  • reducing interest rates
  • reducing restrictions of scholarship resources
  • reducing restrictions on part-time earning
  • increasing scholarships by an additional $11.6 million, including expanding the Rutherford Scholarships; 
  • increasing annual loan limits
  • increasing living allowances
  • significantly decreasing required parental contributions, in line with the federal Canada Student Loan Program and other provinces
  • removing restrictions on vehicles
  • extending lifetime loan limits for returning students
  • extending interest-free status for students on parental leave or completing medical residency requirements
  • expanding raising awareness and mentoring programs

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