April 14, 2011
Budget 2011 Keeps University Education Affordable for Students, Families
– – –Investment of Nearly $450 million will Help Students Achieve Success, Ensure a Bright Future for Manitoba: Premier
Nearly $450 million in provincial support to Manitoba universities will ensure students can pursue a quality university education and become the next generation of leaders and builders, Premier Greg Selinger announced today.
“An education is an investment in our children’s dreams and our province’s economic future and we want to help families make those dreams a reality,” said Selinger. “People take their first steps towards success in life in campuses across Manitoba. When they succeed, we all succeed.”
The premier said the investment is focused in four key areas:
- Affordable tuition fees. As a result of financial support for universities, tuition fees will be frozen at the rate of inflation, providing predictability for students and their parents.
- Quality of education. Universities will receive a guaranteed five per cent increase in each of the next three years. This support will allow universities to improve the quality of programs they offer to students.
- Student financial assistance to improve access. A total of $3 million in new funding is being provided to assist students who face financial and other barriers that affect access to a university education. This includes $1 million for the Bright Futures program and an additional $2 million for the Manitoba Bursary program.
- Support for Graduate Students. A total of $250,000 in new funding will be provided to help students pursue their studies beyond undergraduate degrees in order to support research and innovation.
Since 1999, the Manitoba government has increased funding for post-secondary education by nearly 90 per cent, said Selinger.
“My education has opened doors for me and I am proud our government is opening doors for even more Manitoba students,” said Advanced Education and Literacy Minister Erin Selby. “Our universities do an excellent job ensuring the future success of our province. Budget 2011 provides support so they can continue to be the engines of progress for our great province.”
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