Work-study Survey Open for College, University Students

The province is asking college and university students about their work and study habits and how they pay for their education.

The Department of Education, in partnership with the Canada Student Loans Program, is conducting an online survey to better understand how undergraduate students finance their education and how it affects their college or university experience.

"Many Nova Scotia college and university students have a variety of challenges funding their education," said Education Minister Marilyn More. "This survey will help us learn more about how they balance work and school."

Students will be asked questions about work-study routines, how they make ends meet and how their employment may affect school work. The Department of Education and the Canada Student Loan Program will consider information from the survey when they review policies and procedures that affect students.

"As someone who receives little financial support from home, it is necessary for me to work a great deal while in school to pay for it," said Robert LeForte, vice-chair of the Alliance of Nova Scotia Students Association. "Aside from tuition, many students also have to pay for things like textbooks, supplies, public transportation to jobs, and ancillary fees.

"It is important that research is done to examine students' work and study patterns to get a clear picture of the reality of the situation."

Undergraduate university and college students that complete the survey will be entered into a draw for one of 20 prizes of $250. The survey should take about 20 minutes.

Schools have been contacting students about the survey by e-mail. The survey can be found at www.workstudynovascotia.ca . The closing date for the survey is Jan. 29.