Nova Scotia university students could face a tuition hike next year if a provincial government bursary is not renewed. (CBC)Thousands of Nova Scotia university students could be hit by big tuition increases next year if the provincial government doesn't renew its bursary program, a university report warns.

A report presented to the Dalhousie University Senate Monday said Nova Scotia undergraduate students could be paying 21 per cent more in tuition, if the program is allowed to expire this year.

Students enrolled in the Master of Science program would pay 18 per cent more, while medical students would see their tuition increase by nine per cent.

Right now, every full-time Nova Scotia university student gets a provincial government bursary.

But the money for the bursary comes from a trust, set up several years ago with one time funding of $65 million. That money runs out this year.

"If the bursary program is not replaced, this would result in an automatic increase in net tuition cost for Nova Scotia students even if no increase in tuition fees were approved by the university, " the senate report states.

The program is vital financial assistance for Erin Strickland, a first-year nursing student.

"It was an extra $1,300 dollars I didn't have to spend on tuition, which is a lot of money when you think about it," she said. "That's like your whole year in books."

Dalhousie Student Union president Chris Saulnier is worried.

"Up until now, there's been no word either way," he said. "It means a lot to students. Right now, 69 per cent of students graduate with almost $31,000 worth of debt."

Nova Scotia Education Minister Marilyn More says the provincial government bursary will be renewed in some form. (CBC)Education Minister Marilyn More promised Monday to renew the program, but wouldn't say how much money will be available.

"We are committed to continuing the university bursary in some form," she said.

"Those financial matters are under discussion at various levels of government. And, certainly, I think the final word will come in the spring budget."