The University of Alberta Students’ Union (UASU) welcomes several meaningful investments in students and post-secondary education in Alberta’s Budget 2026, while urging the University of Alberta to reconsider the domestic tuition increase that is no longer justified in light of new provincial funding.
In a budget that is showing difficult economic conditions across the province, we are encouraged to see investments that align directly with long-standing student priorities, including operating funding, youth employment, student aid, and affordability supports.
A key measure in Budget 2026 is the increase in base operating funding for the University of Alberta. The University received an additional $13.1 million in operating support this year, with continued funding committed next year.
“Base operating grants are fundamental to the quality of education our institutions deliver,” said UASU President Pedro Almeida. “This is a welcome shift after four years of flat operating funding. With this new investment significantly reducing overall budget pressure, we urge the university to reconsider the planned domestic tuition increase for 2026-2027 that accounts for only $5.4 million of next year’s university budget.”
Budget 2026 also renews the Alberta Youth Employment Incentive, committing up to $20 million over three years to help businesses hire young Albertans. We welcome the continuation of a program that we strongly advocated for during the height of Alberta’s youth unemployment crisis in Fall 2025.
Budget 2026 also strengthens needs-based student aid. Provincial grants will rise from $67.9 million in 2025–26 to $75.1 million in 2026–27, helping expand access for students with the greatest financial barriers. At the University of Alberta, these grants primarily support open studies students and graduate students. Total non-repayable aid has also increased. Student loan funding will rise from $872 million to $887 million, following recent eligibility changes related to academic progress policies and private career colleges.
“Budget 2026 shows that investing in students remains one of the clearest ways to strengthen Alberta’s future,” said Abdul Abbasi, UASU Vice President (External). “Increased operating funding, stronger student aid, and continued support for youth employment help reduce pressure on students and create more pathways into education and work. With these new investments now in place, the University has a real opportunity to reconsider further tuition increases and put affordability first.”
The UASU is also concerned and is seeking further clarity on whether Advanced Education is planning to count parental and spousal income in Alberta Student Aid eligibility assessments. Such a policy change has the potential to render some students ineligible whose access to parental or spousal support is limited due to interpersonal family circumstances, and are thus still in need of financial aid to access post-secondary education.
As Alberta looks to the next few years, especially through the implementation of the Expert Panel on Post-Secondary Institution Funding and Alberta’s Competitiveness recommendations, the UASU will continue to push for a post-secondary system that is affordable and built around student success. We look forward to working with the provincial government, the University of Alberta, and sector partners to ensure these investments translate into real support and long-term opportunity for students.
About the University of Alberta Students’ Union
The UASU is the official representative of 39,000 undergraduate students at the University of Alberta. It advocates for students’ needs and priorities to the University of Alberta and at all levels of government. For more information or to arrange an interview, contact externalrelations@uasu.ca