International students enrich Canadian academic and social life in innumerable ways. The presence of international students in this country also provides a foundation for strengthening relationships between Canada and other societies around the world. However, differential tuition fees are a threat to the intellectual, cultural, and social benefits that a diverse international student population adds to Canadian campuses.

Canada’s Immigration Needs

Charging differential tuition fees to international students is drastically out of step with the long-term needs of Canadian society. By 2015, immigration will account for all new labour force growth in Canada. According to the federal government’s own research, immigrants who have previously worked or studied in Canada have the easiest time integrating into the Canadian workforce and prospering in Canadian society. Differential tuition fees are a barrier that will discourage such talented people from studying, and eventually settling, in Canada. High tuition fees work directly against the Canadian government’s professed goal of building an educated, prosperous, and innovative society.

Towards Full and Equal Access for International Students

Restoring funding for post-secondary education to the provinces would reduce the incentive for universities to rely on tuition fees as a means of generating revenue. Provincial re-regulation of differential fees to international students would also help bring skyrocketing costs under control.

In the long term, federal agencies such as Human Resources and Social Development, Industry Canada, and Citizenship and Immigration must coordinate with provincial governments and university administrators to develop strategies that improve access and financial support for international students wishing to study in Canada.

Particular attention needs to be focused on ensuring access for international students from lower income backgrounds. Removing barriers faced by international students should be an important component of Canada’s international and foreign policy objectives. Improved access for international students would also be an important step towards ensuring Canada’s own future as a destination of choice for skilled immigrants.