UNB News
News and stories from one of Canada’s top universities

The provincial government has signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of New Brunswick (UNB) that is meant to provide stable tuition for students and predictable multi-year funding for the university. The agreement represents an investment of almost $28 million over four years, and is in addition to the university’s existing operational funding.

“I am proud to sign this agreement with the University of New Brunswick, which is recognized and celebrated for being ahead of the curve and a leader in innovation,” said Post-Secondary Education Minister Roger Melanson. “The agreement we have reached will ensure that tuition rates are predictable and stable for students, who I know are working very hard and receiving a quality education here at UNB.”

Following are some highlights of the memorandum, which covers the 2017-18 to 2020-21 academic years:

• Increases to the university’s operational funding will be one per cent in each of the first three years, followed by two per cent in 2020-21.
• Tuition increases will be capped at two per cent per year for the duration of a degree in which a New Brunswick student is already enrolled in 2018-19 or earlier.
• Universities may undertake a tuition review for which results would only be implemented in 2019-20 and apply to new students enrolled in 2019-20.
• Funding for pilot projects aims to increase enrolment and allow for more research and development opportunities.
• The university agrees to appear before a committee of the legislative assembly.

“UNB is proud to be a leading partner in building our province’s strong future,” said university president Eddy Campbell. “Our students, researchers and faculty are committed to strengthening our economy while finding innovative solutions to the problems that face us. We are dedicated to fostering the next generation of change-makers. This partnership with the province, in conjunction with the generous support of our donors and alumni, will allow us to continue to make high-quality post-secondary education accessible to all.”

In support of a strong post-secondary education system, the government has now reached memorandums of understanding with three of the province’s four publicly funded universities. Discussions with the fourth university are ongoing and, once an agreement is finalized, it is expected the government will have allotted more than $50 million for these four universities over the next four years.

The government introduced the Free Tuition Program and Tuition Relief for the Middle Class to make post-secondary education more affordable and accessible for students. More than 6,200 students have qualified for the Free Tuition Program and more than 1,400 students have qualified for Tuition Relief for the Middle Class for the 2017-18 academic year.

Meghan Wallace, corporate communications, Executive Council Office, 506-444-4101.

Media contact: Hannah Classen

Photo credit: Cameron Fitch/UNB