The provincial government is expected to announce Thursday how many students asked for a tuition refund after a five-week-long strike cancelled classes at Ontario’s colleges.

The deadline for students to apply for a refund was December 5th –  and the government is now tallying up the numbers.

Advanced Education Minister Deb Matthews says preliminary data suggests the “vast majority” of students chose to stick with their programs – and finish the extended semester.

The government ended the strike in November after passing back-to-work legislation.

Matthews says students experienced hardship as a result of the strike – and the ministry will monitor re-enrollment in January – to ensure they can continue their education.

The province also established an assistance fund for students who experienced financial hardship due to the strike – which would cover some of the costs for cancelled travel plans or rent.