News Release from the Government of New Brunswick, Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour
08 July 2016
FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government today passed its free tuition legislation to assist students who need it most to attend a publicly-funded university or college in the province.
“This is a historic day for New Brunswick,” said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Donald Arseneault. “For years, student groups have advocated for upfront non-repayable grants as a means to increase access to post-secondary education. The Tuition Access Bursary is not simply a post-secondary education funding program. It is an economic development program, a jobs program and a way to keep our talented youth here at home.”
This year, student financial assistance applicants will be automatically assessed for eligibility. The bursary provides free tuition to New Brunswick students with a demonstrated financial need, who have an annual household income of $60,000 or less and are enrolled in an undergraduate degree, diploma or certificate program at a publicly-funded university or college in the province. The information guide, along with the online application and other forms, are posted on the Student Financial Services website.
In addition to the bursary, previous supports such as the student loan program, the New Brunswick Bursary and the Timely Completion Benefit are still available to all students. The government has also removed the parental contribution clause from the student loan equation to make it easier for students to access funds. More information on these and other programs is available online.
“Over the next decade more than 110,000 jobs will become available in New Brunswick,” said Arseneault. “Research shows that roughly 70 per cent of those jobs will require a post-secondary education. All students, regardless of family income, should have the same opportunity to compete for those jobs and help contribute to making our province the best place to live, work and raise a family.”