The Government of Nova Scotia has signed new bilateral funding agreements with its 10 universities, freezing tuition for domestic undergraduate students and introducing performance-based funding tied to government priorities. University Affairs reports that institutions were not consulted before the shift from a multi-year memorandum to individual annual deals. At the same time, universities are facing financial strain from federal caps on international study permits, which have led to sharp enrolment and revenue declines. According to an internal memo obtained by CBC, Acadia University anticipates revenue losses under its agreement, which includes program review requirements and potential funding holdbacks. University Presidents and Association Leaders say the new agreements, along with increased oversight under Bill 12, mark a significant change in how postsecondary education is governed in the province.
