Toronto Students Speak Out on New Tuition Changes

What to know

Doug Ford’s government is set to let colleges and universities increase tuition by as much as two per cent each year starting in September, bringing an end to a seven-year freeze. Changes are coming to OSAP funding as well, with students now eligible for a maximum of 25 per cent in grants and at least 75 per cent in loans. The province claims it will put $6.4 billion into additional operating funding over four years to assist institutions that are financially strained, particularly due to the effects of federal international student caps. Students in Toronto say these changes bring more uncertainty and pressure, leading some to rethink their financial aid plans and others to worry about long-term access for future generations.

Toronto students are voicing their thoughts after Premier Doug Ford’s government announced it would lift a seven-year tuition freeze while also cutting grants for post-secondary education.

The Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security shared these funding updates on Thursday, stating that they are essential for the “long-term sustainability” of schools amid financial pressures, especially following the federal government’s introduction of limits on international student permits.

Beginning in September, public universities and colleges will have the ability to raise their tuition by up to two per cent annually over three years and then up to two per cent or the average rate of inflation over those three years thereafter.

Additionally, students can now receive a maximum of 25 per cent of Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) funding as grants with at least 75 per cent being loans.

The provincial government is also boosting its annual operating funds for universities and colleges by investing an extra $6.4 billion over the next four years.

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Toronto students worry about funding

A recent CIBC study showed that nearly 48 per cent of post-secondary students across Canada were finding it tough to cover expenses last year, with many relying on parental support for their studies and living costs.

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With these new funding changes in Ontario, some Toronto students feel that they expect even more pressure going forward.

Eliana, a student at the University of Toronto, mentioned she currently has a full-tuition waiver but won’t have this discount during her last two years. She initially thought about applying for OSAP funding but is now reconsidering her options after hearing about the province’s announcement.

“I don’t know if that’s still a great idea for me now that it’s mostly loans rather than grants, but at the same time, the lack of tuition freeze means I’m going to be even less able to pay it out of pocket. So as a lower middle-class individual, I’m not sure what I’m going to do,” she told Now Toronto.

The student also said she was expecting her annual tuition costs would be around $8,000; however, with the removal of tuition freezes in place now she feels uncertain about what her actual costs might be.

“That was already sort of difficult but not knowing how far that might climb exactly is definitely worrying for me,” she added.

On another note, Oscar-who holds dual citizenship in Canada and the U. S.-said he chose university in Toronto because it offered lower and consistent prices compared to schools south of the border. He worries that these changes may lead other students toward different choices.

“I guess the two percent tuition wouldn’t affect me as much during my final two years left here but it’s really not encouraging at all considering what Canadian schools pride themselves on-being accessible and affordable,” he remarked.

“I’d still choose Canada because it’s cheaper overall right now but it’s definitely concerning looking ahead since this could mean we won’t be able to compete with other international schools’ affordability.”

Changes could affect future students

A fellow student from Toronto named Georgia believes although these changes won’t hit her directly; they might deter younger generations from seeking higher education altogether.

“I think we will see not immediate impacts obviously but there will definitely be negative consequences down the road since this simply limits access to education. There isn’t really any other way around it,” she expressed.

“If someone isn’t taught early on how valuable education is while facing financial hurdles too-it’ll just reduce motivation over time.”

A Grade 12 student named Ashok who plans on studying political science along with economics at Uof T said increasing expenses are adding stress within his family regarding finances when he gets accepted into school soon enough.

“Definitely [it] is going to put lots more strain onto my parents especially when I get admitted trying to navigate fees along with loans; everything just adds up quite fast,” he shared.

As things stand right now his degree could cost between $6K-$10K yearly though he has applied already through OSAP plus several grant opportunities yet being unsure regarding actual total pricing weighs heavily upon him.

“It’s not like it’s impossible financially speaking; rather they want peace knowing nothing ridiculous like ‘Oh god! $21K’ comes back later,” he concluded.

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