St. Thomas University has announced an increase to international students’ tuition fees for the upcoming year. There is currently a freeze on tuition fees for Canadian students; however, international tuition fees will increase by $480 this year.
“It is unfair to announce tuition increases when most international students are not on campus, especially when international students have not been consulted about the decision” said Ella Henry, President of the Students’ Union.
Many universities across the country have policies mandating student consultation before fee increases are imposed. There were no open consultations about the proposed increase this year at St. Thomas.
“We are paying almost three times what domestic students pay and we’re not eligible for student loans. This means another year of being miles away from home and trying to balance a crazy workload, job and a social life” said Camila Vasquez, an international student at St. Thomas University.
Many students at St. Thomas University, including international students, struggle to cover the increasing cost of education. “International students contribute significantly to the STU community and the local economy, to increase their tuition while there is a freeze for domestic students sends the wrong message” added Henry.
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The St. Thomas University Students’ Union represents over 2500 full and part-time students at St. Thomas University.
Contact: Ella Henry, President, St. Thomas University Students’ Union
Tel.: 506-460-0303 Email: su_president@stu.ca
