For Daniel Bamidele, a 22-year-old business student in his second year from the University of Regina, studying in Canada has always been a dream. But that dream comes with a hefty price tag.

While domestic students at his university pay approximately CAD$ 11,225.55 per year in tuition, Daniel is charged CAD$ 31,504.05 — a staggering three times more.

“I work two part-time jobs just to cover my tuition, and I work full-time during the summer” Bamidele explains. “It’s exhausting, and sometimes I feel like I’m missing out on the full university experience because I’m always working or worrying about money.”

“I knew studying abroad would be expensive,” he said, “but I didn’t realize how much harder it would be to afford basic things like food and rent while paying such high fees.”

In response to these challenges, students and advocates call for reforms to make education more accessible. Suggestions include offering more scholarships, reducing fees for students from low-income countries, and providing better financial support for international students. “Education should be a right, not a privilege. If universities truly value diversity, they need to do more to support students like me,” Bamidele said.

“We contribute to the campus community and the local economy, we pay higher fees, rent apartments, and spend money in local shops. But instead of being valued, it feels like we’re being treated as cash cows,” said Ifeoluwa Ramon, a second year business student from Nigeria studying at the University of Regina.

For many international students, the high cost of tuition is a constant source of stress. Unlike domestic students, who often benefit from government subsidies or lower tuition rates, international students are charged the full cost of their education. This disparity forces many to rely on scholarships, family support, or part-time work to make ends meet.

The financial strain is even greater for students from low- and middle-income countries, where the cost of studying abroad can exceed their family’s annual income. According to a 2023 report by the Institute of International Education, nearly 60% of international students say financial concerns are their biggest challenge, while according to the IRCC statistics for 2024 report, 50,000 international students in Canada reported as “No-Shows”

“International students are getting the same education as domestic students, so why are we paying three times more? The high tuition is discouraging many from pursuing their dreams in Canada,” says Deborah Adedayo, a second-year journalism student from the University of Regina.

The high cost of tuition is not just a financial issue — it has broader implications for global education and cultural exchange. As tuition fees continue to rise, Canada may face a decline in international student enrollment. A report for 2024 by the Canadian Bureau for International Education found that 30% of prospective international students were reconsidering their plans due to financial concerns.

This trend could have long-term consequences for universities in Canada that rely on international students to fill seats and boost revenue. It could also limit opportunities for students from developing countries, who often see studying abroad as a pathway to better career prospects and economic mobility.

As the demand for international education grows, the debate over tuition fees shows no sign of slowing down. For students like Bamidele, Ramon, and Adedayo the pursuit of knowledge comes at a high price, one that often requires sacrifices and resilience. The question remains: Should the cost of education be a barrier to global opportunity? For Adedayo, the answer is clear.

“Studying abroad has been one of the best experiences of her life”, she said. “But it shouldn’t have to be this hard”.