International students outraged at tuition fee hikes during COVID-19 Crisis

BY JONELL PANTLITZ

The students of Guelph-Humber University were astonished by the decision of the University Board of Governors.

On April 22^nd, 2020, a motion to increase tuition fees for undergraduate international students by 10% to 15%; also by 3% to 37% for graduate international students depending on the program was passed. The Central Student Association (CSA) and the International Student Organization (ISO) reported that this motion was passed unanimously without any discussion. This has many outraged. International students already pay approximately three to four times the tuition fees of domestic students.

In an interview with Horeen Hassan (VP External at the Central Student Association/ University of Guelph) he expressed concern, “Many international students are heartbroken that an institution they love so much is putting such a financial burden on them.” 

The CSA and the ISO are deeply disappointed in the University’s decision to drastically increase international tuition fees, especially during a global pandemic. Notably, in a global pandemic, it is no secret that international students are struggling to pay for basic needs including rent and groceries. Some are also unable to return home due to the current crisis.

Horeen noted, “International students provide their labour, their tax dollars and a wealth of perspective when it comes to a classroom. They also enhance our post-secondary institutions with their knowledge, ideas and perspective. I do think it is an obligation of our country to take care of them.”

It was reported that international students: contribute over 20 billion dollars annually to the Canadian economy, pay taxes, make up a considerable portion of the Canadian workforce, and sustain over 170,000 jobs in Canada. Yet, they are left out when it comes to support from the government, they are not eligible for the Canada Emergency Student Benefit and their employment plans have been altered. Yet, they are expected to pay increased tuition in the next few weeks.

Horeen told Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, “The University should reserve tuition since the fee for an international student is already three to four times higher than that of domestic students.” She also mentioned, “Many international students are already struggling to pay tuition, especially during these times of COVID-19. It is simply unreasonable and unethical to increase tuitions fee when a lot of families are financially struggling.”

According to CSA, many international students are struggling to pay for basic needs including rent and groceries, and some are unable to return home due to the current crisis. These students also have very little access to financial supports from the university. In addition to this, many international students who remain in Guelph are facing increased mental health struggles.

University of Guelph students share their stories:

“I was hoping to save some money during the summer to help my parents pay for my tuition but due to the recent pandemic, it has become a lot more difficult to find a job. It looks like we are being treated like moneybags because we are not receiving any help from the university. Now I am seriously thinking of dropping out and going back to my country to finish my studies.” (Anonymous Student)

“This is such bad timing to increase tuition fees, while we as international students rarely have any funding from both the government and the university. There are not a lot of scholarships or bursaries for international students as well. During this global pandemic, most people have lost their jobs and have no income at all. My family as an example.” (Anonymous Student)

Horeen’s message to the University Of Guelph Board Of Governors is to, “Work alongside international students on how their experiences can be better enhanced, and work alongside the provincial government to provide more funding for post-secondary institutions.”

Horeen urges the public to lend a hand. “The public can send emails to the university’s admin demanding that they reverse the tuition fees increase for international students, provide more funding grants and scholarship opportunities for these students and to put a freeze on international tuition fees.”

Resources:

https://csaonline.ca/news/2020-2021/CSA-ISO-tuition-fee-increase-statement