Provincial News

• Provincial News
• December 05, 2013

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Fairer Fees for University and College Students

Ontario Helping Students Manage the Costs of Postsecondary Education

Ontario is introducing new rules that will make it easier for students to pay their tuition and help ensure postsecondary education continues to be affordable.

Starting in the 2014-15 academic year, colleges and universities will begin rolling out the following changes:

• Tuition fees for a fall term will not be due before the beginning of August, restricting institutions from requiring tuition payments in June or July.
• Students who complete their Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) applications by the beginning of August will not have to pay their tuition before receiving their financial aid.
• All students will be able to pay tuition in per-term instalments without paying deferral fees or interest charges.
• Colleges and universities may continue to charge a deposit on tuition, but the amount will be capped at $500 or 10 per cent of the tuition total, whichever is greater. Institutions must use the deposits to cover the student's tuition fees.

Beginning in fall 2015, university students will be charged on a per-credit basis if they take less than a 70 per cent course load; in 2016, that number will rise to 80 per cent. By 2016, university students taking a 70 per cent course load could save as much as $1,700 per year compared to the flat rate they may be paying currently. Students with a disability will only be charged tuition on a per-credit basis, regardless of their course load.

Making it easier for students to manage the costs of postsecondary education is part of Ontario's economic plan to invest in people, build modern infrastructure and support a dynamic business climate.

• Learn about Ontario’s student aid programs
• Find out more about Ontario's colleges and universities.
• ontario.ca/tcu-news