As part of Budget 2024, the Manitoba government has earmarked an additional $15 million for Manitoba student loans to help more students access the supports they need to pursue post-secondary education, Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable announced on May 3.
"The last thing a busy student needs is anxiety around how or when their student aid will be received," said Cable. "Manitoba Student Aid aims to offer a clear, fast pathway for students to get the financial resources they need to pursue their education. We want students to spend less time being stressed and more time focused on their studies."
Streamlining initiatives undertaken by the government have sped up processing time for Manitoba Student Aid recipients, the minister said. Since November, the document processing time has been reduced for Manitoba students applying for financial assistance by 90 per cent. Budget 2024 makes further investments with five additional staff to assist with the processing of documents.
The Manitoba government is taking simple steps to make life easier for students and reduce headaches, like introducing a call back option for students who need to speak with staff, rather than wait on hold, the minister noted.
The province is also providing students and their families with increased access to financial assistance by increasing shelter allowances to more accurately reflect applicants' housing costs.
"By increasing the shelter allowance for Manitoba Student Aid applicants, we are helping address affordability, lowering costs for families and ensuring equitable access to training and educational opportunities for Manitoba students attending post-secondary institutions and training programs," said Cable.
For more information about Manitoba Student Aid, visit www.edu.gov.mb.ca/msa/.
