Social issues in education policies in Ontario (Canada)

Abstract

Considering the tuition fees and affordability of postsecondary education in contemporary Russia, the paper draws from foreign experience. It describes postsecondary education in a Canadian province, examines expenditures incurred from public and private sources. Household expenditures, tuition fees, access and affordability are analyzed based on Statistics Canada and other quantitative data. Support to institutions and students are reviewed with special attention to access to information about education program outcomes, education savings, regulation of tuition fees, student loans, grants, and bursaries. Analysis of advantages and disadvantages of bursaries and student loans is provided. Considering social effects of granted and borrowed money, the paper suggests loans are more benef icial in both Ontario and Russian contexts.