Saskatchewan Extends Tuition Relief Program for Ukrainian Students Through 2030
The Government of Saskatchewan has announced a significant extension of its Ukrainian Tuition Relief Program, ensuring displaced Ukrainian students can continue accessing affordable post-secondary education in the province until March 31, 2030. The program, which was set to expire this month, provides crucial financial support for students who fled the war in Ukraine.
Financial Relief and Welcoming Environment
First-year University of Regina software systems engineering student Anton Merzliakov, whose family fled Kyiv four years ago, expressed profound gratitude for the program's extension. "It honestly means a lot for me and the other students because we feel welcomed in this country, in this province," said Merzliakov. "It's a big relief on finance for those families."
Merzliakov, who attended the announcement at the legislative building, noted that his family chose Saskatchewan specifically because of the support available for displaced Ukrainians. With the tuition relief secured, he confirmed "staying in Saskatchewan is something I would really consider" and added "This province became a new home for me and I want to be here."
Program Details and Provincial Leadership
Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff announced the extension, emphasizing Saskatchewan's unique position as the only province offering such comprehensive support. "Many of these students were forced to leave their lives behind and start an ever daunting new life, and in support, our province has chosen to lead with compassion and action," Cheveldayoff stated during the announcement.
The Ukrainian Tuition Relief Program, introduced in 2023, allows Ukrainian students under the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program to pay domestic tuition rates rather than higher international fees. This initiative has supported 35 Ukrainian students over the past three years at a cost of less than $500,000 to the province.
Financial Commitment and Future Projections
With the program extension through 2030, the provincial ministry expects to spend an additional $3.28 million. This investment represents a substantial commitment to supporting displaced students as they rebuild their lives and pursue educational opportunities in Saskatchewan.
The announcement was met with applause from Ukrainian students in attendance, including those from Leboldus High School who had gathered for the press conference. The emotional response highlighted the program's importance to the Ukrainian community in Saskatchewan.
Political Response and Advocacy
Opposition NDP member Keith Jorgenson expressed satisfaction with the announcement while noting that his office had approached the ministry about extending the program as early as November 2025. "These young people who have had to worry needlessly for the last number of months about not only the war back home in Ukraine, but whether or not they would be able to afford to continue to study here in Saskatchewan," Jorgenson told media after question period.
The program's extension comes as Ukrainians in Regina and across Saskatchewan reflect on four years of war in their homeland. The tuition relief initiative provides not only financial stability but also symbolic support during this challenging period of displacement and adaptation.
As the only province offering such comprehensive tuition support for Ukrainian students, Saskatchewan's extended program represents a model of compassionate educational policy that acknowledges the unique challenges faced by displaced students while investing in their future contributions to the province.
