Education, Personal Finance, Senior, University

Free University For Seniors

April 20, 2015

14 Comments

So when you reach the golden age of 60 what do you plan to do? Travel the world, spend time with family, learn some new skills or even keep on working? Well, you’re in luck if you want to keep on learning! A couple of universities in Toronto are now offering free tuition for undergraduate and graduate programs for those over 60.

The universities that offer free education are York University and ~~Ryerson~~ (update: free tuition has been phased out at Ryerson). It also sounds pretty easy to get the benefits. They will automatically return tuition costs if you turn 60 years old before September 1^st during the application year. This tuition rebate covers individuals that study either full-time or part-time. For example, the average price of an undergraduate program at York University costs $6,907 per year, which is a massive savings for those interested.

A couple of areas require caution, specifically the tax consequences. York states that any tuition rebate is a fully taxed benefit, meaning that it will be taxed like earning extra income. So proper tax planning should be done, and a tax professional can be used if you’re unsure about the tax consequences. Further, tuition rebates can vary by program. York states the following limit, “The fee waiver is capped for senior citizens to the level of tuition fees assigned to domestic, non-professional undergraduate or graduate arts, science and other programs as defined in the tuition fee guidelines from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.” So just speak to administration to verify how much of the program is covered.

Overall, this is a great program for individuals who want to learn about new topics and ideas.

Thank you for reading, and as always, if you have any questions please contact me at info@ffcoach.ca or 647-289-0012.

Scroll down to sign up for my e-newsletter and I’ll let you know when I write a new blog post or highlight important articles I feel will help you out as you work on getting your finances in order. Helping you grow,

Matthew

Direct Link to the Universities’ tuition rebate websites;

York University- http://sfs.yorku.ca/fees/waivers/

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Brian Mallett

4 years ago

I am now in my early eighties. When I was employed I worked as an aircraft technician in the Royal Air Force, an aircratft inspector, and as an electrical/electronic technologist. I obtained a Higher National Certificate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering whilst still in England. I started a Bsc in Business Admin course at York University in the 1980’s and only obtained two credits prior to the death of a family member. I would like to do something with the rest of my life where i can make a difference.

Author

Matthew Siwiec

4 years ago

Reply to Brian Mallett

Thank you for sharing your personal story Brian,

There’s quite a few programs that may benefit you. Ryerson University also offers several unique programs and activities for those that are over 50 years old. Here’s a link to their information http://ce-online.ryerson.ca/ce/default.aspx?id=3162

Also, there’s a really neat community group that holds events where individuals can repair electronic items for the public. They treat their volunteers really well and your background is ideal. I actually just wrote an article about them here https://www.ffcoach.ca/charity/repair-cafe-and-the-circular-economy/

Charmaine

3 years ago

I am a 55 single mom with two kids still at home. I have a social service worker diploma and a BA in sociology completed more than 20 years ago. I have been working as a DSW for the last 22 years but now would like to return to school. I am not sure what my options would be as far as careers at this point in my life and what would be worth or not worth investing in at my age. I would consider a career change as well. I am looking at a change that would allow me… Read more »

Author

Matthew Siwiec

3 years ago

Reply to Charmaine

Hello Charmaine!

There are a couple options that my help you achieve your goal of going back to school. The first is the option listed above, and the second is by possibly using the new Ontario Tuition grant. You would have to qualify for each of these programs, but they may assist you in achieving your goals.

If you like, you can email me at info@ffcoach.ca and we can see if you would qualify for these programs.

Matt

Patricia A. (Newell) Lombardi

3 years ago

Hello Matthew, Goals, Experience, and Background: I just turned sixty-five in January 2017 and would like to do an undergraduate degree @ Ryerson University commencing September 2017 in Social Work. I worked 25+ years in Accounting but have always wanted to work to improve the life circumstances for the underprivileged; especially children and elders; working as a volunteer in Toronto Housing Community Corporation (“TCHC”) seniors building wear I have lived for almost 2 years. I am the Janet Magee Manor (“JMM”) Delegate for 2015 and 2016; also the JMM Team Leader (Advocate), and I am a Committee Member on the… Read more »

Author

Matthew Siwiec

3 years ago

Reply to Patricia A. (Newell) Lombardi

Thank you so much for contacting me Patricia! Ryerson has officially cancelled their tuition waiver for seniors, but they still offer free non-degreed general information courses. York University is the only school that offers free tuition to those over 60 years of age. However, the new Ontario Tuition Grant is coming into effect this fall, and you may be able to qualify for free tuition through that program. Full details have not been released, but it seems that mature students with low household income will also qualify for the program. This may be the best opportunity if you want to… Read more »

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Ana

3 years ago

Hello,

I am 67, and interested in pursuing an online PhD in Art/Education. I have a MEd and other strong academic qualifications plus decades of professional work. Is there any tuition-free opportunity?

Thank you

Author

Matthew Siwiec

3 years ago

Reply to Ana

Hello and thank you for contacting me Ana, According to the York University fee website, you are allowed to apply for one graduate degree. So I would verify with them that your desired program qualifies. Here’s what York states; The fee waiver is capped for senior citizens to the level of tuition fees assigned to domestic, non-professional undergraduate or graduate arts, science and other programs as defined in the tuition fee guidelines from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The tuition fee waiver for an eligible senior citizen is restricted to a maximum of one (1) undergraduate and one… Read more »

Musarrat zAIDI

3 years ago

Idea of free degree program for seniors is good, but how tax matters are involved here, seniors who do not work , do not pay any tax. How you can call it free if you ask for money?

geoff

3 years ago

Reply to Musarrat zAIDI

ummm… income from pensions, income from CPP, OAS….. that’s… you know.. income.

Personally I’m not so sure of the idea of free tuition for seniors, I don’t get it — especially in the province of ontario which has some of the most indebted young students of any generation…

Author

Matthew Siwiec

3 years ago

Reply to geoff

Very good point Geoff! Universal Senior’s Benefits are indeed a highly debated topic in the world of finance and one that is growing in controversy. Personally, I support a needs-based benefit that is founded on household or individual income.

beatriz maldonado

2 years ago

Hello Matthew, I am interesting in knowing if there are tuition free courses/programs, for seniors in Kitchener- Waterloo. I did take courses at York some 15 years ago, but did not finish my bachelor. now i am moving to Kitchener and would love to go back to school.
Thank you so much,
Beatriz

Author

Matthew Siwiec

2 years ago

Reply to beatriz maldonado

Hello Beatriz!

I am not aware of any tuition free universities in your region, but mature students do qualify for the new OSAP grant. Qualification depends on your household structure and if you are studying full-time.

Hope that this helps!

– M

Kevin Wall

2 years ago

I disagree, I am 61. I think the trick for old age is to keep an active mind. Anything that will help us elderly do that is a positive and cost saving measure. So if I can take a grad degree for free, I will; if I can’t I won’t. That makes a difference to me and others my age. We are trying to get by on fixed incomes because the employment situation, here in Toronto is brutal. The government’s policy is to import young workers and get rid of the elderly.