B.C. Launches Review of Post-Secondary Sector Amid Tuition Concerns

The government of British Columbia has initiated a review of its post-secondary education system, raising concerns among students about potential impacts on tuition fees. At a press conference on Tuesday, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills Jessie Sunner announced the independent review, stating that the current model is unsustainable. The review is set to address the significant financial challenges faced by institutions across the province.

B.C. universities are grappling with budget cuts and layoffs, driven by a variety of factors including “unilateral” reductions to international student study permits by the federal government, inflation, and stagnant domestic enrolment. The ministry estimates that the decline in international student tuition could reduce annual revenue for B.C. post-secondary institutions by $300 million. Currently, 19 of the province’s 25 institutions anticipate at least one annual deficit over the next three years, with nine already in operating deficit positions.

Review Aims for Holistic Solutions

Sunner described the review as “holistic,” intending to create a pathway to stabilize the sector during these challenging times. The review is led by Don Avison, a former deputy minister and board chair of Emily Carr University. Avison is expected to deliver a report with recommendations by March 15, 2026, for which he will be compensated a maximum of $75,000.

The review will explore governance, operations, program delivery, and financial sustainability. A consultation period with key stakeholders, including institutions, student and faculty unions, and Indigenous partners, will conclude by mid-January. Dr. Airini, president of Thompson Rivers University (TRU), expressed optimism about the review, emphasizing its potential benefits for the region’s economic future.

TRU Students’ Union executive director Nathan Lane described the review as a “pivotal moment” for post-secondary education in B.C. He hopes the process will lead to a fairer distribution of government funding, which could enhance opportunities for TRU. While Lane acknowledges the review’s potential, he also voiced a number of concerns, particularly regarding tuition rates.

Funding Challenges and Student Concerns

Sunner indicated that the province is currently unable to provide additional funding to post-secondary institutions, which raises questions about the review’s effectiveness. Lane noted that without increased funding, the government may have to either redistribute existing resources or search for new revenue sources. This could lead to an increase in tuition for domestic students.

“There’s a real fear that domestic students could end up shouldering the financial burden created by decisions they did not make,” Lane said. He expressed concern over the provincial government potentially lifting the cap on tuition increases for domestic students, which is currently limited to 2 percent annually. No such cap exists for international student tuition.

On Wednesday, during a question period in the B.C. legislature, Gavin Dew, MLA for Kelowna-Mission, highlighted the historical context of tuition freezes and subsequent hikes. He urged the province to maintain the existing cap and to advance a previously shelved review of post-secondary funding formulas.

The review’s terms of reference indicate it will explore opportunities to adjust revenue and review tuition policies, aiming to correct discrepancies rather than implement widespread increases. Additionally, the review will consider consolidating institutions, reducing program duplication, and fostering collaboration among schools.

Airini noted the importance of the review in identifying how institutions can best serve their communities. “We anticipate future changes that will likely stem from this review,” she said, emphasizing the need for stability and collaboration in the sector.

Lane acknowledged that addressing program duplication and institutional overlap could enhance the system. However, he stressed that without additional funding, it would be challenging to resolve the systemic issues currently plaguing B.C.’s post-secondary education landscape.

The ongoing review represents a critical moment for the province’s educational institutions, as they navigate a landscape marked by financial uncertainty and shifting enrolment patterns. The outcome will likely shape the future of post-secondary education in British Columbia for years to come.