Making University Affordable in the COVID Era
How new and existing financial support programs make this a good time to pursue a university degree
COVID-19 has created financial instability and uncertainty for many, including those saving for post-secondary education. But take heart. There are many measures students and families can take to ensure these challenges today don’t get in the way of tomorrow’s academic success and career ambitions. Federal and provincial governments, as well as universities like Trent, have created many options for students and their families to find support - making now a great time to pursue a university degree.
DOUBLED GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR YOUR STUDIES
The Ontario Student Assistance Program, better known as OSAP, will see significant increases in student aid for 2020/21 due to the challenges of the pandemic. The Canada Student Grant will double, increasing to a maximum of $6,000 for full-time students and $3,600 for part-time students. In addition, the Canada Student Grants for students with permanent disabilities, and students with dependents, will also double.
The federal government has also been providing support through the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), which is available to both Canadian and international students, and the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB). The CESB supports post-secondary students who do not qualify for the CERB and are unable to find work this summer due to COVID-19.
Be sure to investigate all of these options now. Many are only available for the 2020-21 academic year.
YES. SCHOOLS, TOO, CAN HELP PAY THE BILLS
Universities are also digging deep to provide financial aid to students. At Trent, we have set up special new programs like the Student Relief Fund, specifically to help Trent students experiencing financial hardships due to the pandemic. Trent also continues to provide automatic renewable entrance scholarships for incoming students with averages of 80% or higher.
Bursaries are available for new and returning students with additional financial need each and every term.
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT AND CAREER EXPERIENCE
For students, summer and part-time jobs can help with cash flow and career connections. At Trent, students put skills from the classroom to work as they gain meaningful professional experience in their area of study. Jobs are available at university, and many are currently offered remotely. At Trent, we have year-round employment opportunities including those set aside specifically for students in need. The Trent Summer Work Experience Program is a new program that launched in May to help students build skills through paid summer employment.
EVEN MORE OPTIONS
Looking for more information? Students should make a point of contacting their institution’s financial aid office for many services including guidance with student aid or financial assistance applications, financial planning or scholarships and bursaries. To speak with our team at Trent, please contact our financial aid office financialaid@trentu.ca or toll-free at 1.855.698.7368 x1524. We are here to help.
Christopher Rooney is the associate registrar of operations & client services in the Office of the Registrar at Trent University.
This article was originally published in Metroland.