Student funding changes
In late February, the provincial government
released the 2016 Ontario budget. Among the
details outlined, several changes involving
funding for post-secondary education were
announced. Although the immediate headline
was “Free tuition” several news outlets have
offered different interpretations on the numbers
provided to the public. Among the proposed
changes, according to the government
announcement:
Transforming student assistance to make
average college and university tuition free for
students from families with incomes of $50,000
or lower, and making tuition more affordable for
middle-class families.
Providing non-repayable grants — which will
exceed average college and university tuition —
to more than 50 per cent of students from
families with incomes of $83,000 or less.
Ensuring that students from families with
incomes of less than $50,000 will have no
provincial student debt.
Increasing access to interest-free and low-cost
loans for middle- and upper-income families.
Expanding financial support for mature and
married students.
Ensuring all students will be the same or
better off under the new Ontario Student Grant as
under the Ontario Tuition Grant.
Improving access to post-secondary education
and training for First Nation, Métis and Inuit
learners through continuing the Province’s
three-year, $97 million investment.
For more details, visit
www.ontario.ca