Students are borrowing more money to pay for a university education. CBC

Alberta students are borrowing more money to attend university.

University of Alberta students borrowed a total of $80 million this year — up from $66 million.

Political science student Petras Kusmu had 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 in grants 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 to the 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.

The student's union is hoping to make post secondary funding an issue among Progressive Conservative leadership candidates looking for the Premier's job.