Author Description

This brief is the outcome of a lengthy review & consultation process aimed at contributing to the improvement of financial access to a successful education for all students in Quebec. The first chapter examines whether the financial assistance system fosters financial access to a successful education, including whether the system facilitates academic progress & graduation and whether it takes the school-to-work transition into account. Chapter 2 focusses on identifying possible solutions to overcome the obstacles to educational access. It discusses initiatives for youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, secondary school dropouts, & returning students, as well as ways to improve financial support. Chapter 3 studies the issue of tuition fees as one component of the financial aid system. The last chapter reviews fiscal measures that affect financial access. The conclusion sets out three priorities for intervention to improve financial access to education, and summarizes the recommendations for improvement provided in each chapter.