Alberta student aid tightens as tuition climbs at three campuses
Students will need to contribute twice as much per loan year, and families' income is back in the equation—just as tuition rises at UCalgary, MRU, and U of A.
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Alberta post-secondary students are facing a squeeze on two fronts: tighter access to student aid and rising tuition fees.
Starting this fall, students must contribute $3,000 per loan year instead of $1,500—double what they paid before. More stinging: family income is back in the calculation after being removed in 2012. Parental and spousal income will now determine how much help a student receives.
"Students are incredibly worried about paying their tuition because it is that much harder to access student financial assistance," said Mahad Rzain, president of the University of Calgary Student Union. "Now it costs twice as much to even access help in a time when there is inflation."
Simultaneously, undergrad and graduate tuition is rising at all three major Calgary campuses. UCalgary and U of A are increasing domestic tuition by 2 per cent; MRU by the same. International students face steeper hikes: up to 5.5 per cent at U of A, 4 per cent at UCalgary, and 1.5 per cent at MRU.
Marianna Mejia Salazar, vice-president external of the MRU Students Association, said the timing couldn't be worse. "A lot of low-income families just really cannot afford to pitch into their kids' education, and that's why they seek Alberta student aid," she said. "It does leave a big question as to where the money will come when the parents or spouses are unable to provide that funding."
In response, the Advanced Education Minister pointed to $1 billion in the latest budget for student aid, including increases to non-repayable supports. Applications for the 2026-27 school year opened June 3.