Dalhousie University has frozen 2007-2008 tuition at current rates for all professional, graduate and undergraduate programs. In addition, in agreement with the province, Nova Scotians attending the university in the fall will see a $500 tuition reduction.
For 2007-08, the university has another fully balanced budget Ð the 20th consecutive balanced budget at Dalhousie, Maritime CanadaÕs largest and most research-intensive university.
The $252-million annual operating budget increases spending on scholarships and other student assistance, increases the library acquisitions budget and invests additional money in facilities and classroom improvements. Total financial assistance available to Dalhousie students this year will top $40 million, while the university will collect $89 million in tuition fees.
In order to continue to attract top-flight doctoral candidates, Dalhousie will waive fees for qualified PhD students.
The tuition reduction for Nova Scotians and tuition freeze for undergraduate and graduate programs are in keeping with an agreement between the provincial government and Nova ScotiaÕs universities. The province increased university operating grants this year to allow universities to hold the line on tuition inflation. Dalhousie extended the freeze to its professional school students.
The international differential fee for graduate students in thesis programs has also been frozen. International undergraduates and non-thesis international graduate students will pay a long-planned $810 differential fee increase.
Dalhousie President Tom Traves said it comes as a welcome relief to see students get a financial break. Prior to 2005 and for the better part of two decades, provincial funding levels to universities flat-lined. As a result, more of the cost of post secondary education shifted to students themselves, and Nova ScotiaÕs universities became among the most expensive in Canada.
Dr. Traves added a cautionary note: ÒTuition stability is welcome, but itÕs only half the equation. In the future, the government also must address the even more important question of proper funding to ensure the high quality of education we offer.”