Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris recognized the start of the 2011-2012 student loan year as well as the launch of the second year of the student financial assistance marketing campaign.
The campaign includes 10 face-to-face community events across the province, online advertising and a redesigned website with an emphasis on improved navigation to access information on student financial assistance. The campaign encourages students to "Go Further. Faster" by accessing the financial supports available through Student Financial Assistance.
"The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to providing students with the tools they need to access and complete their post-secondary education," Norris said. "Student Financial Assistance offers a range of non-repayable grants, bursaries and scholarships to support students while completing their studies. The program has also seen some significant enhancements as a result of continuous program improvement efforts. The culmination of these changes will better support students in their studies and transition to jobs in Saskatchewan's robust economy."
The 2011-12 budget provides over $90 million in support for Student Financial Assistance programs which will help make post-secondary education accessible to more Saskatchewan students. In the 2010-11 loan year, more than 65 per cent of provincial assistance provided to students was non-repayable.
The Student Financial Assistance Branch is now accepting applications for the 2011-2012 loan year for academic programs beginning on or after August 1, 2011.
More information on Saskatchewan Student Financial Assistance can be found at www.student-loans.sk.ca or call 1-800-597-8278.