Policy and Strategic Planning

Affordability Framework

The Affordability Policy Framework  was developed in alignment with recommendations from A Learning Alberta, and through extensive stakeholder consultation.  It includes a comprehensive set of strategies to enhance student financial assistance, and a revised Tuition Fee Regulation.

The framework sets the following policy directions for affordable post-secondary education:

  • affordability is key to raising participation and educational attainment levels, particularly among groups currently under-represented in the system
  • tuition fees should be predictable and affordable and reflect a cost-sharing principle
  • students should be motivated, inspired and well-informed about opportunities, costs, resources and benefits from obtaining a post-secondary education
  • student financial assistance should be simplified, flexible, and responsive to learner diversity
  • student financial assistance programs should ensure learners have the resources they need while ensuring students graduate with manageable debts

The province has implemented a number of important strategies since the release of the framework in 2006 that provide significant benefits to Alberta learners.  The Framework is responsible for significant improvements to Alberta’s Student Financial Assistance Program that has made it among the best in Canada.  Through Budget 2006, 2007, and 2008, we have implemented a number of important strategies identified in the Affordability Framework, including:

  • reducing interest rates
  • reducing restrictions of scholarship resources
  • reducing restrictions on part-time earning
  • increasing scholarships by an additional $11.6 million, including expanding the Rutherford Scholarships; 
  • increasing annual loan limits
  • increasing living allowances
  • significantly decreasing required parental contributions, in-line with the federal Canada Student Loan Program and other provinces
  • removing restrictions on vehicles
  • extending lifetime loan limits for returning students
  • extending interest-free status for students on parental leave or completing medical residency requirements
  • expanding raising awareness and mentoring programs

News Release (November 3, 2006)
Government invests $136 million to make post-secondary studies more affordable

Additional Resources