Post-Care Tuition Waiver Program

Youth in care often experience social and economic disparities that can mean barriers to obtaining a post-secondary education. In keeping with its commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, MSVU has put a plan in place to support these students to pursue their academic dreams.

MSVU proudly launched a Post-Care Tuition Waiver Program, becoming the first university in Atlantic Canada to offer a tuition waiver program for former youth in care.

MSVU was founded on a commitment to removing barriers to education and, more than a century later, this commitment still runs deep. The University is home to a higher percentage of nontraditional students and prides itself on providing the personalized, supportive environment they need to thrive.

The Post-Care Tuition Waiver Program covers 100 per cent of eligible students’ tuition and compulsory fees and has the power to transform lives.

An MSVU navigator is also assigned to help students in the program navigate their MSVU experience – from completing the tuition waiver program application to completing their degree. The navigator ensures students are supported and connected with the resources they need.

Dr. Jacquie Gahagan knows first-hand how life changing getting an education can be. Now an Associate Vice-President Research (AVPR) at MSVU, Gahagan was once a youth in care. Gahagan describes the experience of finally getting an education as completely transformative. Gahagan adds that people who were formerly in care, including in foster homes, group homes or other residential facilities, often have higher unemployment rates, a greater chance of experiencing homelessness and being involved with the criminal justice system, and poorer health and social outcomes than those who were not in care.

“Education means absolutely everything,” says Gahagan. “I would not have had the opportunities I have had without it.”

Not only is Gahagan now a leader at MSVU, they are also a donor to the Post-Care Tuition Waiver Program. This full circle transformation is not lost on Gahagan.

“Tuition waiver programs are about doing the right thing as a society and supporting students who otherwise wouldn’t have a place in postsecondary education,” says Gahagan.

MSVU is dedicated to addressing the needs of all students, including the particular needs of under-represented groups, and those who face barriers to education. Through the generosity of its donors, MSVU was able to offer students opportunities to embrace possibilities that may otherwise not be available.

Three students enrolled in the program during the pilot period in 2020–21, and ten more when the full program launched in 2021–22.