Government of Alberta’s Budget 2026 includes funding increase to post-secondary operating grants

The University of Calgary welcomes the Government of Alberta’s announcement of an increase in Budget 2026 to the post-secondary operating grant. This is a positive investment toward addressing the institution’s growing needs. 

An increase to the Operating Program Support Grant (OPSG) means UCalgary’s operational funding will rise to $384.6 million, representing a 2.8-per cent growth over last year, or $10.4 million in new funding. The OPSG provides the province’s 26 post-secondary institutions with money for our core operations. UCalgary’s operating grant has been $374.2 million per year since 2022.  

“We appreciate the province’s enhanced investment in our operating grant, which will support our efforts to address inflationary budget pressures,” says Dr. Ed McCauley, UCalgary’s president and vice-chancellor. 

“UCalgary is uniquely positioned to develop the talent our community needs and deliver world-class research that addresses today’s challenges and those ahead. We play a vital role in Alberta’s long-term economic strength and prosperity, and this new investment supports that essential mission.”   

The provincial budget also included $148 million in new funding for targeted enrolment expansion across the sector. Areas that were identified as priority areas for investment include engineering, health care, education and childcare. This envelope will also provide the remaining $83 million required over three years to support doubling enrolment at UCalgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine by 2028/29. As a result, UCalgary will expand its ability to help address the critical shortage of veterinarians in the province. 

Budget 2026 also reaffirmed its support for UCalgary’s planned Multidisciplinary Science Hub. The province has previously committed $160 million over three years to the facility. Scheduled to open in 2029, the hub will support STEM students in critical fields such as agricultural innovation, computer science, energy, quantum science, biotechnology and aerospace. 

Further, the provincial budget included a $23.6 million envelope for Capital Maintenance and Renewal (CMR) funding for UCalgary that is a welcome investment used to maintain our existing infrastructure.  

Lastly, Budget 2026 referenced the ongoing commitment to implement the recommendations from the Expert Panel on Post-Secondary Institution Funding & Competitiveness. UCalgary welcomes this commitment and looks forward to continued discussions with the Government of Alberta and our colleagues across the post-secondary system to implement the recommendations. It sets out a clear framework for building a more competitive post-secondary sector — one that is anchored by a sustainable operating funding model. This is essential to sustaining the province’s long-term economic growth and prosperity.