The College of New Caledonia’s Student Union is planning on challenging the unregulated fee increases for international students.
While domestic tuition increases are provincially capped at 2%, there is no regulation on international fees.
“There has been a precedent for other universities and colleges where they do increase fees by large amounts that we deem to be unfair. Many students cannot plan for it effectively,” explained Student Union Communications Officer Damon Robinson.
“We’re not here to argue for what the cap should be. However, it’s just a fact that it’s unregulated. The college could, for example, increase tuition by 10%. While it’s a drastic number, the reality is that they could do it,”.
The CNC Student Union is working alongside the British Columbia Federation of Students to gather more information and support.
The Student Union hopes to approach the college’s board of governors to express concerns around tuition fairness, student security, and even potential effects on the local economy.
Robinson concluded: “It’s definitely going be a challenge, but we truly believe that this is something that we should push for,”.