International Students at USask Face Tuition Hikes, Express Concerns

International students at the University of Saskatchewan are grappling with escalating tuition costs that have nearly doubled over the past four years. The rising expenses have sparked concerns among students about their ability to complete their education, with many feeling the financial pressure acutely.

Students like Isheanesu Nhiwatiwa have reported alarming increases in tuition fees. “I may not be able to finish my degree here,” she stated, highlighting that her tuition rose from $21,000 to approximately $31,000 in just a few years. The sharp increment, which was $10,000 from her first to second year and $5,000 from her second year to the current one, has left her uncertain about future costs.

The impact of these tuition hikes is palpable. Nganminen Kwashi observed that he has seen fellow international students leave the university due to financial pressures. “I remember one of my first friends who I was in the university with; he hasn’t been in school for the whole year,” Kwashi explained. The situation has prompted students like Allison Ochigbo to witness their peers dropping out or transferring to institutions that offer more stable tuition rates.

According to the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union, the tuition increases are creating significant challenges for students. Issues such as housing instability and food insecurity are exacerbated by the financial strain, which also affects families back home. Chidera Nwobodo, a representative from the Pan-African Students Association, emphasized the sacrifices made by families to send their children abroad. “When you are spending the money you expected to spend for four years in one and a half years, what’s going to happen to the remaining three and a half years?” Nwobodo questioned.

The stress of rising tuition extends beyond the individual student. Nathaniel Aubynn shared that the situation puts pressure on entire families, complicating their financial stability. Ochigbo noted that the emotional toll can be overwhelming, explaining, “It’s been very difficult… You see the stress it takes… If you go back, it’s all for naught.”

Many students are resorting to working multiple jobs to meet their tuition obligations, leading to burnout and academic struggles. Emily Hubick, vice-president of student affairs at the USSU, pointed out that the need for additional work detracts from students’ ability to engage fully in their studies.

A potential solution may be found in policies adopted by other institutions. Pamino Akinjide highlighted that some Canadian universities, such as the University of Alberta, guarantee tuition rates for the duration of a student’s program. This allows students to plan their finances more effectively. The University of Alberta confirmed this policy, stating that it helps students secure student visas and funding opportunities.

In response to the rising concerns, Marjorie Delbaere, the interim vice-provost of students and learning at the University of Saskatchewan, acknowledged the financial pressures faced by international students. “We understand international students’ concerns about rising tuition costs and how this may affect their ability to continue their studies,” Delbaere stated. She noted that a renewed multi-year funding agreement with the Government of Saskatchewan will set tuition limits for the next four years, providing some degree of stability.

Despite these assurances, many students feel that the university’s financial support mechanisms are inadequate. “We’re not asking for some sort of special treatment; we’re just asking for transparency,” Aubynn asserted, reflecting the sentiment among students that their concerns have not been adequately addressed.

Additionally, Ken Cheveldayoff, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Education, remarked that international graduate student tuition fees in Saskatchewan are among the lowest in Canada. Nonetheless, the persistent lack of information regarding tuition increases for both domestic and international students raises concerns about future financial implications.

As international students at the University of Saskatchewan continue to navigate these challenges, their calls for transparency and support highlight the urgent need for a more sustainable approach to tuition costs in higher education.