Access
High tuition fees have already put post- secondary education in Canada beyond the reach of many international students. Low and middle-income students--and particularly students from developing countries--face tremendous obstacles in accessing post-secondary education. In fact, international tuition fees in Canadian universities are usually more than the annual wage of most families in the Global South. Continued increases could ultimately see access to Canadian universities and colleges choked off to all but the wealthiest international students and a limited number of poorer students lucky enough to receive full scholarships.

Until recently, the detrimental effects of excessive tuition fees were compounded by regulations that prevented international students from earning money while studying in Canada. However, the Canadian Federation of Students has successfully lobbied to have these restrictions eased. In April 2007, the federal government announced that international students could apply for off-campus work permits. Some of the support for relaxing the off-campus work regulations came from university and college presidents, some of whom may see the potential for increased income as an excuse to increase tuition fees.

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

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 2011 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.

Canada's International Obligations
As a wealthy country, Canada has both a duty and the material resources to provide assistance to countries and individuals in developing countries. Providing access to affordable education should be an important part of Canada's contribution to international development.

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 for 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 co-ordinate 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 low-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.