StudentsNS Responds to New University Funding Agreements
Halifax, NS - Today, the Government of Nova Scotia announced new two-year bilateral agreements with Nova Scotia universities, continuing with performance-based funding and new student support measures. Students Nova Scotia is pleased to see several recommendations implemented in the new agreements, including enhanced affordability measures for Nova Scotia undergraduate students and expanded work-integrated learning opportunities.
Among the most impactful measures is the tuition freeze for Nova Scotia undergraduate students—a key student recommendation to increase educational access for Nova Scotians. The freeze comes at a crucial time with domestic undergraduate tuition in Nova Scotia currently at 33% above the national average and increasing 9.8% faster than the rest of Canada, despite the previous 2% tuition cap. StudentsNS is also encouraged by the commitment to enhance work-integrated learning and maintain strong housing accountability measures, both recommendations presented during consultation with the province and the universities earlier this year.
“We are pleased to see student affordability and employability included as priorities for the upcoming years,” says Prajwal Shetty, Chair of Students Nova Scotia. “It is important that student supports are prioritized, as students contribute the single largest revenue source for post-secondary institutions across the province. We look forward to continued consultation with the province and universities to provide recommendations that will increase affordability and accessibility for all students.”
However despite the positive measures, StudentsNS remains concerned about the limited 2% increases to university operating grants, which will strain post-secondary institutions already facing budget deficits. This could affect program offerings and campus services, raising concerns about educational accessibility, equity, and long-term sustainability. While StudentsNS welcomes increased accountability measures, there is a need to proportionally increase operational funding to universities in order to ensure that the sector can provide quality post-secondary education and continue to bolster the economic diversity of Nova Scotia.
“With the agreements now in place, the focus is ensuring that meaningful consultation and collaboration takes place with all sector stakeholders,” says G Saleski, Executive Director of Students Nova Scotia. “The value of Nova Scotia’s post-secondary sector cannot be overstated, and it requires a collective effort to ensure that all parties contribute sustainably to meet the needs of both the province and its students. As we look forward, students must continue to be involved in the decision-making processes that will shape the future of their education.”
Students Nova Scotia commends the province for taking concrete steps in addressing Nova Scotia tuition costs and improving access to housing and work-integrated learning programs, but emphasizes the need for increased investment in the sector to ensure universities can continue delivering high-quality, accessible education for all.