International students in University of Saskatchewan express concern about rising tuition almost every semester. Some say their tuition has nearly doubled from $21,000 since they started school four years ago.
Some students, like Isheanesu Nhiwatiwa, are concerned they will not be able to complete their studies if tuition fees continue to rise.
“I may not be able to get my degree here,” Niwatiwa said. “I'm in my third year now, but from first to second year it went up about $10,000, from second to this year it went up another $5,000, and I'm not sure what it's going to look like next year.”
Nganminen Kwashi says he has seen international students leave the university due to rising costs.
“I remember one of my first friends I went to university with, he didn't go to school for a year. I think that's a huge problem.”
Allison Ochigbo says she's also seen international students drop out or leave to “get a program they can at least graduate from, and that's very, very sad.”
The University of Saskatchewan Students' Union says tuition increases are leaving many students facing challenges with rising costs such as housing instability and food insecurity, and that it is pushing families back home who may have made sacrifices to send their child to school in Canada into debt.
“A lot of people, when your parents send you abroad, there's a kind of calculation: You're going to spend four years, and that's the amount you're going to spend, but when you spend the money you thought you'd spend for four years in a year and a half, what happens to the remaining three and a half years?” said Chidera Nwobodo, social media manager for the university's Pan African Student Association.
Get the latest national news
For breaking news updates affecting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you as they happen.
“You have parents of people who are about to retire and they have to find all this money, and you’re already in your third year, you have to graduate.”
Nathaniel Aubinn says the situation is stressful for the whole family.
“[My parents are] That's one of the main factors in why I'm here, but I don't like to see that stress on them and my siblings,” Aubinn said. “The pressure this puts on me every year as school fees increase affects me a lot and also prevents my siblings from going to school because my parents are focused on paying for my services.”
Ochigbo says it is difficult for students to focus on their studies when they are worried about their families' financial situation.
“It was very difficult,” she said. “I was able to find an income for myself, but last year I had a mental breakdown.
“It's kind of depressing. You feel guilty, you're their child, they decided to send you here… You see the stress it takes… They can't bring you back, it's a journey they've already started and if you come back it's all in vain.”
Working multiple jobs to keep up with tuition payments can exacerbate burnout as academics are often pushed away.
“If they're making their own sacrifices to cover tuition costs, then there's more work, there's more extra stress, it just takes time away from their studies and their ability to participate in academic life,” said Emily Hubick, vice president for student affairs at USU.
One student, Pamino Akinjide, says some Canadian post-secondary institutions, such as the University of Alberta, require international students that their acceptance letter list a tuition rate equal to the rate they will pay for a four-year degree, allowing students to prepare accordingly.
The University of Australia confirmed this in a statement to Global News, saying it provides international students with a “guaranteed tuition fee for the entire duration of their program” at the time of admission and that “the full upfront cost of their programs allows students to apply for student visa and funding opportunities, and helps them make an informed decision when choosing a higher education institution.”
Akinjide is calling on USask to implement a similar policy.
Marjorie Delbar, interim vice-provost for students and teaching at the University of Saskatchewan, told Global News in a statement that the university understands international students' concerns about rising tuition costs and “how this may impact their ability to continue their studies.”
“The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is committed to providing predictability and support,” Delbare said. “Our updated multi-year funding agreement with the Government of Saskatchewan sets tuition caps for the next four years, providing stability for students while supporting sustainable teaching, learning and research. In addition, USask is investing $58 million annually in scholarships, bursaries, benefits and crisis assistance, with targeted need-based funding available for international students most impacted by the changes.”
Students still say they don't see much financial support from the university, leaving them feeling unheard.
“We're not asking for any special treatment, we're just asking for transparency and just advocating that you consider our needs as well,” Aubynn said.
Quashie says there is a lack of information about tuition increases for both domestic and international students, and “this could lead to an even bigger problem in the future.”
Saskatchewan Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff told Global News in a statement that this year, “tuition fees for international graduate students in Saskatchewan were among the lowest in Canada.”
© 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
