STRONG SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS AND POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION

The 2013-14 Budget provides significant support for students, higher operating and capital funds for post-secondary institutions and further investments in research and innovation.

The Ministry of Advanced Education will receive $787.7 million, an increase of 8.8 per cent over last year, with almost $53 million earmarked for operational increases and several key initiatives at post-secondary institutions.

“This budget reflects our government’s strong commitment to ensuring students get the education they need to succeed in our growing economy,” Advanced Education Minister Don Morgan said.  “Our government is working to ensure education is affordable for Saskatchewan students.  We are introducing the new Saskatchewan Advantage Grant for Education Savings to help families save for their children’s post-secondary education.  We introduced the Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship that lowers tuition costs by up to $2,000 over four years.  And if you stay in Saskatchewan after you graduate, you can receive up to $20,000 in tuition costs back through the Graduate Retention Program.”

The 2013-14 Budget provides $117.4 million in direct student supports, up $19.6 million or 20 per cent from last year. This includes:

• $63.9 million in refundable and non-refundable tax credits for the Graduate Retention Program, an increase of $12.2 million or 23.6 per cent;
• $7.5 million for the Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship, an increase of $2.9 million or 63 per cent;
• $6.5 million in new funding for the Saskatchewan Advantage Grant for Education Savings;
• $34.5 million for the Student Aid Fund: and
• $5.0 million for other scholarships.

The budget provides a $14.3 million increase in base operating funds with a 3.1 per cent increase for technical institutes and an average 2.1 per cent increase for universities, federated and affiliated colleges, and regional colleges.

Other highlights include:

• $25.5 million in capital investments to support infrastructure including:
• $4.0 million for continued renovation and expansion of Southeast Regional College in Weyburn;
• $1.0 million for planning a new Trades and Technology Centre at Parkland Regional College in Yorkton;
• $16.5 million for capital improvements, repairs and equipment at post-secondary institutions.
• More than $16 million in operating and capital funding for the new Health Sciences facility; 
• $10 million investment in the proposed student residence at the University of Regina through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation;
• $5.3 million increase in funds to continue expansion of doctor and nurse training seats as well as the addition of five more nurse practitioner seats; and
• $17.4 million for Canadian Light Source, International Vaccine Centre, Water Research Chair and other initiatives including $6.3 million from the Innovation and Science Fund.

“These investments help ensure our students have the tools they need to access and complete their post-secondary education and find a job in our growing labour market,” Morgan said.

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For more information, contact:

Rikki Bote
Advanced Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4156