Dalhousie University is increasing tuition by three per cent in the fall, while also increasing some financial aid and waiving some student fees.
In a memo posted in the financial services section of Dalhousie's website, university president Deep Saini wrote that the decisions were approved at Tuesday's board of governors meeting.
“Annual tuition increases are necessary to maintain the high quality of our academic programming — this was true before the COVID-19 pandemic and is even more apparent today as we work to ensure your academic experience this fall is delivered to the highest standards,” the memo said. “The Board’s motion approved a tuition increase of up to 3%, and given the investments needed in student support and online instruction — as well as to help manage the significant financial impacts of this current pandemic — Dalhousie will be implementing the full 3% increase for this upcoming year.”
The memo goes on to say that financial aid bursary funding will be doubled, adding $3 million for undergraduate students in need of support. This aid is separate from scholarships, bursaries and other assistance offered from the operating budget.
“We’re waiving or modifying many student fees,” Saini also wrote. “For many students, these savings will offset the tuition increase for the fall.”
Athletics and recreation fees will be waived for the fall term for all students, amounting to $110 per student in Halifax, and $75.29 in Truro. The Dalplex Fitness Centre fee of $90 will also be waived.
Student services and facilities renewal fees will be frozen at 2019-20 rates.
A decision regarding UPass fees will be made at a later date.
“Our costs do not decrease when instruction moves online; in many cases there are new or different costs as we work to ensure courses are delivered with the world-class academic quality you expect from Dalhousie,” the memo said. “That’s why we’re spending $1 million on technology development, additional online instruction training and increased online supports for students.”
A previously announced increase in international tuition for students who started studies in September 2019 or later of $1,473 annually through 2022-23 is going ahead as planned.
