Rationale

Issue

International students at the University of Waterloo face challenges in accessing an affordable and meaningful university experience and quality education due to unpredictable and rising tuition fees, financial strain, and limited support services.

Our Research

  • Unpredictable Tuition: International student tuition has grown at a disproportionate rate since deregulation in 1994, making it difficult for students to plan and manage their finances.
  • Vulnerability: International students are increasingly relied upon for university revenue, with their tuition often making up a significant portion of institutional budgets.
  • Affordability: Limited financial aid options and high living costs, particularly for housing, add to the financial burden of international students, leading to increased stress and mental health challenges.

  • Unstable Tuition Increases: Students face difficulties predicting tuition fees, with fluctuations from semester to semester.
  • Exploitation: International students are vulnerable to exploitation, both financially and through unscrupulous immigration services.
  • Mental Health Impact: The financial and social pressures of high tuition and living costs can lead to severe mental health challenges for international students, including instances of suicide.

  • Tuition Growth: International tuition increased by 68.61% between 2006 and 2017 in Ontario (Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance, 2020).
  • Affordability Concerns: 55% of surveyed international students reported difficulty affording tuition (Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance).
  • Housing Burden: 79% of international students are concerned about the cost of accommodation (Canadian Bureau of International Education, 2018).

Our Position

WUSA advocates for reforms to ensure that international students can access affordable and predictable tuition, equitable support services, and stable financial resources during their studies.

  • Operational Funding Reform: Advocacy for the provincial government to take primary responsibility for university operational funding, reducing the burden on international students.
  • Tuition Funding Framework: Push for the reworking of the Ontario tuition funding framework to account for international students.
  • Diversification of Revenue: Encourage post-secondary institutions to diversify funding sources, ensuring that no more than one-third of the operating budget comes from international student tuition.
  • Sustainable Growth: Advocate for policies that support sustainable growth in international student admissions, complemented by adequate support services and accommodation.

Read the full Advocacy Position Statement here.

Student Resources

Legal Services

Access to legal advice for issues related to student rights, immigration, and financial challenges.

Learn more about legal services.

Empower Me

Confidential mental health support for international students facing mental health challenges due to financial and social pressures.

Learn more about Empower Me.

Financial Aid

Resources and information on available scholarships and financial support for international students.

Learn more about student financial aid.

Campaigns

Education

Further Reading and Resources