March 26, 2026 – “Ontario’s universities welcome today’s provincial budget, A Plan to Protect Ontario, which makes historic investments in the postsecondary sector to develop the talent, research and innovation that supports economic growth in communities and will position Ontario as a global leader in critical industries.
The $6.4-billion investment in postsecondary institutions over the next four years, along with capping tuition at two per cent annually, represents a landmark investment for the future. This investment comes at a critical time for higher education and will help institutions continue supporting students, strengthening core programs and services, and advancing the research and innovation that protect and grow Ontario’s economic prosperity.
We welcome the additional $117.1 million over three years, starting in 2026–27, through the Ontario Research Fund–Research Infrastructure (ORF-RI), which will allow universities to recruit and retain world-class faculty, train the next generation of researchers, maintain cutting-edge infrastructure, deepen industry partnerships and strengthen key sectors including agri-food, critical minerals, information technology, life sciences and manufacturing. In short, it helps ensure that Ontario remains a global leader in innovation, commercialization and talent development.
The budget’s focus on building a stronger, more resilient province – one that is productive, competitive and prepared to navigate global economic uncertainty – aligns closely with the role universities play in developing talent, graduating the future workforce and driving innovation across Ontario.
Universities will continue to educate more than 600,000 students each year in areas such as STEM, health care, teaching and AI. Last year alone, universities conducted $4.1 billion in research, focused on applied and innovative solutions, producing the ideas, talent and discoveries that support key sectors from AI and advanced manufacturing to life sciences, critical minerals, nuclear energy and defence.
Ontario’s universities remain steadfast in their commitment to student access and success. Universities invest nearly $1.8 billion annually on student services, such as mental health, career coaching, co-op and work-integrated learning programs. To support student access, they invest more than $1.4 billion annually in non-repayable financial assistance, and 10 per cent of all new domestic tuition revenues will be invested directly into student aid.
Ontario’s universities will continue to work closely with the province to enhance the Student Access Guarantee, ensuring qualified students with the greatest financial need continue to have access to a university education.
Universities have and will continue to build on years of collaboration in an effort to find greater efficiencies through shared services, joint procurement, digital transformation and administrative streamlining, delivering greater value to taxpayers.
The Minister of Finance has been clear: unlocking Ontario’s productivity requires investing in talent and innovation. Universities do both. Our institutions train the skilled graduates powering Ontario’s most critical and fastest-growing sectors. Our researchers are doing the homegrown work that turns ideas into investment and discovery into economic advantage.
A budget that protects Ontario today and builds the province of tomorrow includes investment in the institutions that help make it possible. Today’s budget recognizes universities as a cornerstone of a strong economy – developing talent, supporting industry, strengthening communities, and positioning the province for long-term resilience and prosperity.
Ontario’s universities are engines of talent, innovation and research, and they are working with industry and government to help deliver on the priorities outlined in today’s budget. We look forward to continuing to partner with the government to ensure universities can play an even greater role in powering the province’s productivity, competitiveness and long-term prosperity.”
– Steve Orsini, President and CEO, Council of Ontario Universities