Students share their frustrations over the tuition increase once again
This year, the University of Regina (UofR) witnessed another four per cent tuition increase for new and continuing UofR students. The recent hike in tuition, alongside staff layoffs, is a result of the financial pressures that the university is facing. Drop in international enrolment, flat domestic enrolment figures, and country-wide economic strains are reasons that contributed to this strain.
While tuition raises affect everyone, its impact is felt most by the international students, who pay significantly higher tuition fees than domestic students.
The reduction in the enrolment of international students is, in fact, a national phenomenon following the new changes implemented by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). In 2024, IRCC introduced a cap on the number of study permits for international students in Canada. The official website of the Government of Canada explicitly mentions that the cap on study permits is aimed at helping ease the strain on housing, healthcare, and other services in Canada. Consequently, a total of 437,00 study permits have been issued in 2025, which represents a 10 per cent decrease from 2024. UofR is not exempt from this nationwide policy change, and its effect can be seen as the increase in tuition fees, which the university’s board approved in the 2025-26 operations budget.
Students share their frustration with the hike
But here is the crucial question: How do UofR students feel about this hike? This Carillon on the move article delves into insights from students about this budget crunch that is hitting the UofR campus.
Aysha Bibi Fariba, a second-year domestic student in the faculty of nursing says that she feels “stressed and frustrated about the increasing tuition fees”. She further adds that “the rise in fees makes education less accessible for many students, creating financial pressure and limiting opportunities—especially for those from lower-income families.” Fraiba said that she viewed the UofR “as an affordable option compared to other [universities] in Canada” but the tuition costs are now “becoming comparable” to other institutions with high tuition fees.
As Fariba mentioned, the four per cent tuition increase is likely to raise accessibility concerns for students, especially those that come from modest-income families.
UofR’s neighbouring institutions have also followed suit in this trend. The University of Saskatchewan (UofS) announced a tuition increase of 3.8 per cent for this academic year, which will affect both undergraduate and graduate programs. Similarly, the University of Manitoba has seen a 3.5 per cent hike in its tuition fees.
Sumaiya Afreen, a first-year biology major says, “Regarding the 4 per cent increase, I would say it did not really affect me since this is my first semester, and I started university with the increase and I also got scholarship to cover most of my courses’ fees, unlike other students who can actually feel the impact of the tuition hike as they were paying less for their courses before.”
She however acknowledges the financial strain that this change puts on students as she states, “It is certainly difficult for international students, especially if they don’t have a job or they are working only a certain number of hours.”
“You sometimes do not feel the impact, but when the tuition fees amount to $10,000 or $20,000, that’s when it proves to be a lot of stress for most of the students,” she added.
The University does not take tuition increases lightly and has made every effort to limit them to the level necessary to help cover the rising costs associated with providing quality education – Mindy Ellis, Senior Public Affairs Strategist, UofR
Afreen says her strategy is to maintain a high GPA so she can apply for awards and scholarships at the university. “I hope to keep my average GPA high so I can be eligible to apply for student awards, though I do not have many volunteering hours at the moment.”
Fariba expressed the need for more scholarships and bursaries for students. “I would like to see the university provide stronger support for students through increased access to bursaries, grants, and scholarships, as well as better management and organization.”
She believes “offering more flexibility with tuition payments and greater attention to the needs of low income students” can help students continue their education by relieving some financial hardship.
University administration weighs in
The Carillon also had the opportunity to connect with Mindy Ellis, senior public affairs strategist, UofR, who shared her thoughts about the recent tuition hike. When asked about her take from an administration standpoint, Ellis said, “International student tuition levels are tied to domestic student tuition levels and change proportionately based on a formula.”
“When determining international student tuition levels, the post-secondary sector in Canada has always recognized that domestic students and their parents/caregivers also support our institutions through their taxes,” she added.
Ellis encourages students to seek financial support opportunities through the Student Awards and Financial Aid (SAFA) at the university. She says, “Financial support for international students is available through scholarships such as the International Entrance Scholarship, the International Students of Distinction Scholarship, and various scholarships through SAFA.” She elaborated that the university is “continuously exploring new ways to expand scholarship opportunities and develop initiatives that respond to students’ financial needs.”
Services available for student support
With regards to the steps taken by the UofR to make students feel supported, Mindy Ellis mentions that “the UofR offers career readiness services, the UR Path program, and the co-op program to all students.” She believes that “in addition to academics, they can access mental health services, peer advising, and an array of free academic and social support programming through the Global Learning Centre.”
Ellis highlighted the diversity that both domestic and international students bring to campus and that the UofR remains committed to making education accessible for all.
“When international students come to study at the University of Regina, we strive to ensure they understand that they are not only enriching themselves and their futures, but that of our institution’s community,” said Ellis.
“The University does not take tuition increases lightly and has made every effort to limit them to the level necessary to help cover the rising costs associated with providing quality education, while continuing to make post-secondary education affordable and accessible. The UofR remains competitive among Canadian universities in terms of affordability for both domestic and international students and in relation to undergraduate and graduate programs,” she concluded.
