High tuition fees have already put post-secondary education in Canada beyond the reach of many international students. Low and middle-income students—particularly students from developing countries—face tremendous obstacles in accessing post-secondary education. In fact, international tuition fees at Canadian universities are usually more than the annual wage of most families in developing countries.

Tuition fees for international students during the 2010-11 year vary dramatically between provinces and institutions. Overall, tuition fees for international students tended to be highest at institutions in Ontario and Alberta, each of whom had universities in the top five positions. Even in provinces where Canadian students are protected by a tuition fee freeze international students are often excluded.

Continued increases could ultimately see access to Canadian universities and colleges choked off to all but the wealthiest international students and a limited number of poorer students lucky enough to receive full scholarships.

Until recently, the detrimental effects of excessive tuition fees were compounded by regulations that prevented international students from earning money while studying in Canada. However, the Canadian Federation of Students has successfully lobbied to have these restrictions eased. In April 2007, the federal government announced that international students could apply for off-campus work permits.

While students have successfully mobilised to defeat tuition fee increases and improve federal regulations for international students, we must remain vigilant and continue the fight to ensure that education is accessible for everyone.