First-year Island students can expect to see a credit to their student accounts over the next few weeks, says Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning Allen Roach.

“Education is a top priority for the Government of Prince Edward Island,” said Roach, as minister responsible for post-secondary education. “The George Coles Bursary is one of the many supports our Province offers to Islanders who choose to attend post-secondary education in their native province.”

The Government of Prince Edward Island announced a 10 per cent increase to the George Coles Bursary in November. First-time, first-year student residents of Prince Edward Island enrolled in full-time studies at University of P.E.I., Holland College, Collège Acadie Î.-P.-É., or the Maritime Christian College are now eligible for up to $2,200, depending on their tuition level.

Students attending the University of Prince Edward Island have begun to see the bursary deposited into their accounts. Students attending college in Prince Edward Island will receive the financial assistance over the next few weeks. Last year, more than $1.7 million was distributed though the George Coles Bursary, helping to make post-secondary education more affordable for 864 Islanders.

“Following through on our commitment to ensure Island students have the opportunity to attend post-secondary education allows us to build our skilled workforce that continues to experience high demand,” added Roach. “Offering financial incentives that encourage our young people to select our high-quality post-secondary education system here in Prince Edward Island will lead to an educated workforce capable of meeting our province’s economic needs.”

Minister Roach added that he is pleased to see more and more young Islanders choosing to further their education in Prince Edward Island. Over the past five years, enrolment at U.P.E.I. has increased 10 per cent, and Holland College reported its largest ever first-year intake last year.

The Government of Prince Edward offers a variety of financial incentives to Island students including interest-free provincial student loans, the Island Skills Awards, the Island Student Award and the George Coles Graduation Scholarship.

For more information on bursaries and awards offered by the Government of Prince Edward Island, visit www.studentloan.pe.ca.