Alberta's publicly funded post-secondary education system is critical to the province's ongoing prosperity. Post-secondary institutions prepare students to meet growing demands for a skilled and well-educated workforce, while also leading in research, generating significant revenue and enabling Alberta to compete globally for talent and investment in innovation and commercial ventures.
To maintain and build upon this reputation for excellence in post-secondary education, Alberta's government is establishing an expert panel that will review and evaluate post-secondary institution funding to ensure funding in support of students is used efficiently and effectively. The panel will also look at funding models for higher education across Canada and around the world, while assessing Alberta's ability to compete on a global level with excellence in higher education.
"Our students deserve to have the best opportunities to pursue their career aspirations and create prosperity for our province. The expert panel on post-secondary institution funding and competitiveness will enhance our ability to achieve the goals of the Alberta 2030 strategy, as we strive to make our post-secondary system the very best it can be - the best in the world."
Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education
"Post-secondary institutions are fundamental to Alberta's success in today's competitive world. Students are trained to meet the demands by Alberta employers for talented and capable workers. Research provides innovative ideas that enable Albertans to enjoy a higher standard of living. We must make sure that our institutions have a funding model that prioritizes excellence in teaching and research. If successful, Alberta post-secondary institutions will be a magnet for the best students and faculty."
Jack Mintz, president's fellow, University of Calgary's School of Public Policy
The panel will be made up of individuals with experience in Alberta's publicly funded post-secondary system. Appointments are expected to be completed by Dec. 31.
The panel's work, including engagement with public post-secondary institutions and independent academic institutions, will commence in early 2025, with a comprehensive report summarizing the findings of the review delivered later in the year. The final report and recommendations will include assessments of:
- current and alternative funding mechanisms
- impacts of federal immigration policies on Alberta's post-secondary institutions (PSIs)
- the cost of the administrative and regulatory burden on PSIs
- the overall competitiveness of Alberta's higher education system
Quick facts
- The Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs ten-year strategy was launched in 2021 as an essential part of building a prosperous Alberta.
- Alberta 2030 is composed of six goals:
- Improve access and student experience; develop skills for jobs; support innovation and commercialization; strengthen internationalization; improve sustainability and affordability; and strengthen system governance.
- Budget 2024 made investments into training for high-demand areas, as well as an estimated $1.4 billion in student supports, and an increase in operating expense funding for post-secondary institutions.
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