The Saskatchewan government will make up to $1.5 million in emergency financial aid available to help at-risk post-secondary students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ministry of Advanced Education announced today it will help students with limited financial resources and supports whose studies and employment have been disrupted. The amount of emergency funding will depend on each students’ circumstances.
“Our government is committed to helping students achieve their educational goals,” Advanced Education Minister Tina Beaudry-Mellor said. “This is especially true during this unprecedented time, as some students are faced with limited supports. These resources will help quickly address some of their more pressing needs.”
This financial adjustment for publicly-funded post-secondary institutions will support both domestic and international students in need through one-time emergency bursaries. The Ministry of Advanced Education will also work with publicly-funded institutions that do not have existing emergency financial aid programs for students to put emergency bursaries in place.
“We recognize the need for urgent supports to help vulnerable students, including those from northern, remote and indigenous communities, as well as international students unable to return home,” Beaudry-Mellor said. “It is critical that we work with our institutions to help students who have nowhere else to turn.”
Emergency bursaries for students will be available from April 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020. Eligibility requirements and application details will be available to students through their post-secondary educational institution within the next week to ten days, after details are finalized.
Adjustments may be made to the program once details of any federal assistance are announced.
