Alberta's new education act is proposing changes that include free high school education for students up to 21 years of age.

Currently, students have to pay for courses once they reach the age of 19.

This is the last year Attila Harmath, 18, can complete or upgrade high school courses for free at Chinook Learning Services in Calgary.

"It's pretty expensive. I mean with the low wages that teenagers make it would be problematic," said Harmath.

For many adults, a high school class worth five credits costs more than $500.

Calgary public school trustee Carol Bazinet called the proposed change a good first step, but said she believes school should be free.

"If they figure they need high school for whatever it is, for their work or if they need it to go on to further education, I just think we really shouldn't put obstacles in their way," said Bazinet.

Alberta Education says it could take until 2014 or 2015 to implement the change