U of A students borrowing more

Alberta students areborrowing more money to attend university.

University ofAlberta students borrowed a total of$80 millionthis year up from $66 million.

Political science student Petras Kusmuhad to up his student loan by 15 per cent after only finding part-time work last summer.

"I just wish there were more grants," said the honours student.

Student's Union president Rory Tighe said the province has cut$3 million cut ingrants available to students.

"We'd really like to see some of the grants reinstituted by the government and more funding for the institution on the basic operating grant they get from the government," he said.

Tuition increases need to be tied more closely tothe cost of living, he said.

The government already pays three-quarters of a university student's education, said advanced education spokesperson Kim Capstick.

"We have programs available so that students who don't have the financial wherewithall to be able to afford that 25 per cent have access to a loan program to make sure that's not a barrier.

Thestudent's union is hoping to make post secondary funding an issue amongProgressive Conservativeleadership candidates looking for the Premier's job.