Athabasca University cuts tuition by 10% for Indigenous students
Reduction part of AU’s ongoing efforts to enhance access and equity for Indigenous students
Athabasca University (AU) has implemented a 10% tuition reduction for Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, Inuit) students in Canada.
The tuition reduction is part of the university’s ongoing efforts to enhance access and equity for Indigenous students.
“As an open university, Athabasca University provides access to a world-class education that meets the needs of all students, particularly those who face systemic barriers,” said Dr. Alex Clark, AU president.
“Reducing tuition for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students not only supports our efforts to improve access to a university education, it’s an important step in AU’s ongoing commitment to kwayskahsatsowin (conciliation) with Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and to the principles of truth and reconciliation.”
The 10 per cent tuition reduction was approved by AU’s board of governors earlier this year and came into effect on Sept. 1, 2024. The reduction applies to tuition fees for undergraduate courses.
AU a ‘perfect opportunity’ for Indigenous students
For AU grad and donor Carter Yellowbird (Master of Business Administration ’12) of Samson Cree Nation, AU offers a “perfect” opportunity for people from Indigenous and isolated communities to pursue an education.
“Athabasca University is perfect for First Nations and communities that are isolated because education can come to you,” said Yellowbird, who now works as a business consultant advising First Nations on how to diversify investment portfolios.
Education is one of those opportunities that Yellowbird believes strongly can help counteract challenges closer to First Nations.
“Education is a key component that can help deal with challenges for many nations—unemployment, clean drinking water, and health, to name a few,” he says. “We need to incorporate unique innovative strategies to face challenges and work closer with government and industry to assist First Nations with these challenges. We need to show them the doors and give them the tools and support to open the doors.”
