Alberta's Student Loan Changes Hit Wallets Hard

Starting this academic year, Alberta students are facing a steeper climb to fund their education. The provincial student loan program now requires recipients to contribute $3,000 per year — double the previous $1,500 minimum — while also assessing parental and spousal income to determine eligibility.

The changes are hitting students at Mount Royal University and the University of Calgary hard, according to student leaders. "It's really another added financial barrier into their academics," said Noel Ormita, president of MRU's Students' Association, pointing to surveys showing student debt is already one of the biggest issues on campus.

Ormita warned the higher minimum could force students to work longer hours or take out high-interest loans to cover the gap. Even more stinging: the province's decision to reinstate parental and spousal income assessment, a requirement it had dropped in 2012.

University of Calgary vice-president external Mahad Rzain echoed the concern. "It's problematic, especially if students maybe have wealthy parents but those parents are unwilling to support their education," he said. The changes compound existing pressures — tuition rose two per cent for domestic undergrads at both institutions, living costs keep climbing, and youth unemployment remains low.

Provincial Advanced Education Minister Myles McDougall defended the move, noting Budget 2026 includes over $1 billion for Alberta Student Aid, including nearly $107 million in scholarships and more than $75 million in grants. Still, student advocates say those increases don't offset the loan program's tightening.

For students already juggling rent, textbooks, and food costs, the timing couldn't be worse.