BACKGROUND
Ontario’s colleges and universities are severely underfunded, receiving the lowest per-student funding in Canada. Decades of neglect have forced institutions to rely on international student tuition just to keep the lights on. This unsustainable model has left schools struggling to provide high-quality education, while international students face soaring costs and a lack of real support.
At the same time, students—both domestic and international—are feeling the financial squeeze. While tuition has remained frozen, rising costs for housing, food, and textbooks make it harder for students to afford postsecondary education. Graduates are burdened with student debt, forced to start repayment before they’ve found stable jobs.
If we want a strong, competitive economy, we need strong, well-funded institutions. It’s time to invest directly in our colleges and universities so they can continue to provide world-class education without relying on unstable tuition revenue.
Provincial Expenditures per FTE Student by Sector, 2022-23
LIBERAL PLAN
The Ontario Liberal Party has a clear plan to fund colleges and universities properly, while keeping education affordable for students.
1. Properly Funding Colleges & Universities
-
Increase direct public funding so institutions are not forced to rely on international student tuition.
-
Provide stable, long-term funding agreements so universities and colleges can invest in faculty, student services, and research.
-
Support regional institutions to ensure students outside major urban centers have access to high-quality education.
2. Easing the Burden of Student Debt
-
Eliminate interest on OSAP loans, so students aren’t penalized for seeking an education.
-
Delay OSAP loan repayment until graduates earn at least $50,000 per year, ensuring young people can establish financial stability before paying off debt.
IMPACT: A Stronger, More Sustainable Postsecondary System
-
Colleges and universities will be properly funded, ensuring long-term stability and high-quality education.
-
Schools will no longer be forced to rely on international student tuition, making the system more sustainable.
-
Students will have better support, with reduced financial strain and fairer loan repayment policies.
-
Ontario’s workforce will be stronger, with graduates able to build their careers without being buried in debt.
Ontario’s postsecondary institutions should be centers of excellence, not financial crisis zones. The Ontario Liberal Party is ready to invest in education—because strong schools mean a stronger future for Ontario.
Fixing Education:
Funding Colleges & Universities Fairly.
.png)