Calgary student unions speak out against changes to Alberta student aid

For this upcoming academic year, students seeking financial loans will have them calculated based partly on the earnings of their parents or spouse.

Students’ unions at both the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University are speaking out against Alberta student aid changes.

According to the province, expected parental and spousal contributions are now a part of the equation for what a student can receive, and amounts will be calculated based on family income and family size.

The Student Association of Mount Royal University (SAMRU) disputes the idea of providing aid based on family income.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

“It’s working on the assumption that students are supported by their parents to fund their education, which we’ve learned is not always the case,” said SAMRU spokesperson Noel Ormita.

“There are different circumstances for different students, whether that be financial barriers or relationships with their parents,”

The University of Calgary’s Student Union says the new model will create a lot of gaps that students are going to fall through.

Union president Gabriela Dziegielewska points to people who can’t rely on family for help with their education.

“Wealthy parents who are not interested in helping you fund your education. You’re at a loss if you are married and your spouse has a lot of debt, but they make high income” Dziegielewska said.

“[It’s] also harmful for people who might be in abusive relationships, who can’t really rely on a spouse to contribute to their education.”

In a statement to CTV News, Minister of Advanced Education Myles McDougall said the focus of the changes is “ensuring supports are sustainable, targeted to those who need them most and responsive to the realities students face today.”

At least one student seems to see some merit for students’ loans to be calculated based on family income and family size.

Sehaj Singh is entering his second year of Computer Science studies at the University of Calgary and says he took out more than $10,000 in student loans last year.

“If parents can cover a certain amount they should,” Singh said. “If parents’ incomes are on the lower end, if you give more student loans to student then, I think that’s incredibly helpful.”

The province has also increased the minimum student contribution from $1,500, to $3,000 for 2026-27.

That money is what students are expected to contribute to their school cost in order to receive student loans.

The province has also increased the minimum student contribution from $1,500 to $3,000, which is what students are expected to contribute to their school cost.

That is part of the needs assessment process.

“It’s just another burden that is added. Students now are going to be required to contribute more of their own money to cover the cost of their education, and it is going to be harmful,” said Dziegielewska.

Ormita at MRU is also pushing back against the increase.

“They have to fill in the gaps in terms of funding. So whether they’d be working longer hours, which will impact their mental and physical health as well,” said Ormita.

The maximum loan a student can take out is just over $25,000 over a 12-month span, which is provided by Alberta student aid and the national student loan service.