A tuition freeze for all ten of Nova Scotia’s universities as well a funding boost.

The province says new two-year bilateral agreements for 2025-26 and 2026-27 will replace the current one-year agreements with the institutions, that expired on March 31.

Education Minister Brendan Maguire says it’s to make post-secondary school more affordable for students, so they can get the education they need to start their career.

“We want our universities to thrive. Through these longer-term agreements, we are providing more financial predictability for universities to help ensure they are financially sustainable now and in the future,” says Maguire.

The agreements provide a two per cent increase in the operating budget by $7.7 million in 2025-26 and $7.8 million in 2026-27.

However, certain targets must be met before they receive the full amount.

A couple of the highlights of the new agreement include preferred admission for undergraduate health and bachelor-of-education programs in 2026, as well as meeting current educational standards.

There will also be a review and a reduction in tuition of $1,283 for each student thanks to the Nova Scotia University Student Bursary, based on a full-time course load.