Representatives from all five student unions in the province met with Education Minister Paul Dinn yesterday and say he provided them with a commitment that tuition will be frozen in the coming year.

Nicolas Keough of the Canadian Federation of Students NL says that comes as a great relief to many students who were facing a tuition increase this year.

The tuition freeze was lifted in 2021 following a nearly $70 million cut to operating grants provided by government based on recommendations in the Green Report.

In the meantime, Memorial University has been grappling with the shortfall, trying to find ways in which to cut spending while increasing revenue.

Last summer, the university cut close to $21 million, and eliminated 20 positions in order to ensure long-term sustainability.

Keough says the minister did not make clear to them how government intends to freeze tuition, but says the news is welcome relief.

“He gave us the commitment that at Memorial University, tuition will not be increasing in 2026 as planned. And that’s obviously a big win.”

Memorial says conversations ‘ongoing’

Memorial University meanwhile says conversations with the provincial government are ongoing, and MUN President Dr. Janet Morrison “is looking forward to talking with the minister.”