EDMONTON, AB – The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Students’ Association (NAITSA) is pleased to announce that its 2025–2026 Annual Budget was approved on second reading by the NAITSA Senate on April 2, 2025. It will take effect July 1, 2025, aligning with the start of NAITSA’s fiscal year.
Faced with a projected decline in student enrolment over the next three years, NAITSA has adopted a forward-looking financial strategy that balances long-term sustainability with meaningful investments in the student experience. To support expanded services and rising operational demands during this period, NAITSA will strategically draw on its reserve funds, intentionally built for times of transition, to help offset revenue losses while continuing to invest in student life, support services, and affordability measures. The approved budget reflects careful planning to ensure that students continue to receive high-impact programs without facing sudden cost increases.
NAITSA remains committed to keeping student costs affordable while maintaining high-quality services. For 2025–2026, the NAITSA membership fee will rise by just 2.9%, in line with Alberta’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). The U-Pass transit program will see no increase, remaining at $180 per semester following an overwhelming student referendum renewal. Students enrolled in the Medical and Dental benefits plan will benefit from reduced premiums, with medical decreasing to $65 and dental to $62 per semester. Additionally, NAITSA will implement a 50% reduction in membership fees for Spring and Summer terms in 2026 to reflect their shorter academic duration.
Key Highlights:
- Enhanced Campus Life: New staff positions will be added to support and grow NAITSA’s signature events and engagement programs, ensuring students continue to feel connected and supported.
- Student Media Investment: The Nugget will welcome a new staff role to boost editorial coverage, expand multimedia content, and further solidify its role as a vital campus voice.
- Fee Adjustments: NAITSA membership fees will increase modestly by 2.904% in line with Alberta’s CPI, while Spring and Summer term fees will be reduced by 50% to reflect their shorter duration.
- Health & Dental Premiums Lowered: Students enrolled in the NAITSA benefits program will see savings next year, with medical and dental premiums both decreasing.
- Strong Reserve Use: With NAITSA’s reserves near their bylaw-defined cap, the organization will begin drawing strategically from these funds to support key priorities, including technology upgrades, student space enhancements, and capital repairs.
“The budget we’ve approved is about smart growth, investing where it counts, while keeping our financial foundation strong,” said NAITSA President Jenna Luczak. “It’s designed to meet students where they’re at, and to ensure we’re ready to support them no matter what the future brings.”
Students can reach out to the NAITSA office directly for more information or to view the full 2025-2026 budget.
For More Information Please Contact:
Jason Roth
External Relations Director
780-471-7603
