This release was issued under a previous government.

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.”

Marlin Schmidt, Minister of Advanced Education

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.

“Extending the tuition freeze has helped ease the stress of working to pay off my tuition, helping me and thousands of other students avoid additional student debt.”

Hachem El-Sayed, biological sciences student, University of Alberta

"Continuing the tuition freeze will allow for thorough consultation on the province's post-secondary funding framework. We look forward to working with the Ministry of Advanced Education in order to ensure post-secondary education remains affordable, predictable and sustainable for students and their families in Alberta."

Fatima Dhooma, vice-chair, Alberta Students Executive Council (ASEC)

“CAUS is encouraged to see tuition frozen for another year while consultation on changes to the post-secondary system is carried out. Students’ thoughts and opinions are sure to add important insight into the ways our system can best be changed and improved to ensure a bright future for all Albertans.”

Dexter Bruneau, chair, Council of Alberta University Students (CAUS)

Students, stakeholders and Albertans interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to participate in the consultation by visiting tuitionreview.alberta.ca to share their thoughts and ideas. Government will also meet with institutions and student groups to get feedback for the consultation.

Government will also be working directly with post-secondary stakeholders to examine the current funding model for institutions. This work will support government’s commitment to transparent, predictable and sustainable funding for colleges, universities and technical training institutes. It will also help ensure the post-secondary sector is an accessible, accountable and student-focused system for Albertans.

“We agree that predictable and sustainable funding is critical to the long-term success of Alberta’s post-secondary institutions and students.  We look forward to continuing our work with government and students in developing a funding model that will ensure the high-quality education that Albertans expect and deserve.”

David Turpin, president and vice-chancellor, University of Alberta

This tuition freeze and funding and tuition review is one of many initiatives under the Alberta government’s Future Ready vision, helping to prepare Albertans for success by taking a co-ordinated and integrated approach to education and training.