August 26, 1998 - 5:00pm
How to finance post-secondary education is on the minds of most students registering for classes at Malaspina University-College, but some students will receive some welcome relief, this fall.
Students enrolling in Adult Basic Education--high school completion--courses will no longer pay tuition fees, thanks to a recent announcement by Premier Glen Clark.
"More than ever, a high school education is the first step to finding work," said Clark when making his announcement. "Financial need should no longer be a barrier to adults and youth whose high school education has been interrupted."
Under the new government initiative, students no longer pay tuition fees of $97 per course, but they still have to pay student fees of $53.88 per semester, and new students pay a one-time-only $30 application fee. They also pay for textbooks; however, financial assistance may be available to help with these costs.
Last year, some 700 students enrolled in Adult Basic Education courses at the Nanaimo campus, according to Shiona Northway, coordinator of ABE programs at Malaspina University-College.
Four different levels of courses are offered: fundamental (up to grade 8), intermediate (grade 10), advanced (grade 11), and provincial (grade 12).
"To get into ABE courses, students must at least be 17 years of age and been out of school for a minimum of one year," Northway said.
"Many adult students take courses to complete ABE certificates, but the majority complete coursessuch as English 12, Math 11 or sciencesto get into certificate, diploma and degree programs at Malaspina," said Northway.
ABE classes are offered on campus during the day and evening, in a structured format. Students who want to complete courses on a more flexible, drop-in basis can do so at the Downtown Centre at the Access and Referral Centre (ARC), on Fitzwilliam Street.
Northway said that there are still a few spaces in English and Math classes, up to grade 11 level, starting in September.
For further information, please contact the ABE department at 755-8759.
Tags: In the Community
