International Students in Brandon Struggle with Rising Costs and Housing

International students in Brandon, Canada, are grappling with increasing financial pressures, housing shortages, and restricted work opportunities. These challenges significantly impact their academic experiences, despite ongoing efforts from universities and student organizations to provide support.

Balancing higher tuition fees with everyday living expenses has become particularly overwhelming for many students. Sophia Dande-Ayasuk, a student at Brandon University, emphasized the strain of these financial burdens, stating, “International students have higher fees and more bills to pay, but then they’re also restricted in the number of hours they can work.” The recent federal limits on off-campus work hours have intensified budgeting difficulties. Dande-Ayasuk suggested that students should be allowed to work more hours, with academic performance monitored instead of imposing a blanket restriction.

Housing Challenges and Academic Demands

Housing availability has become a pressing concern for international students in Brandon. Dande-Ayasuk noted that finding accommodation has turned increasingly competitive. Bukunmi Bantale, another student at Brandon University, highlighted the intersection of housing and academic demands. He explained that students in intense programs, such as nursing, often struggle to juggle their studies and work commitments: “In nursing, you’re juggling classes, clinicals and long shifts,” he stated. “Sometimes the advice is not to work at all, but at the same time, tuition still has to be paid.”

The financial landscape for international students is complex, with many relying on limited scholarships and bursaries that often cover only a fraction of their tuition costs. Bantale pointed out that while financial aid exists, it is insufficient to alleviate the burden of an estimated annual tuition of around $20,000. “If you get a $4,000 or $5,000 scholarship, it helps, but you still have a lot to figure out,” he said.

Awareness and Access to Financial Aid

The issue of awareness regarding available financial aid is a recurring theme among international students. Tosin Salau, an international student representative at Brandon University, noted that many scholarships and bursaries remain unclaimed due to a lack of knowledge among students about how to apply. “There are so many scholarships and bursaries that students don’t even know about,” Salau explained. He mentioned that the university now employs a centralized application system, allowing students to apply for multiple awards simultaneously with a single general application.

In addition to financial aid, support services addressing food insecurity and winter preparedness are available, though students may not always realize they can access them. Salau stated that student groups and the Office of International Students collaborate to provide resources such as food banks and winter clothing distribution.

At Assiniboine College, similar challenges persist for international students. Toyosi Babalola, a social service worker student, expressed frustration about the restrictions on work hours, stating, “Working 24 hours a week cannot cover half of our tuition, not to mention all of it.” She also highlighted the stress associated with healthcare costs, explaining that insurance often requires students to pay upfront and file claims later. “If you’re in an emergency and you don’t have the money at that moment, it’s very difficult,” she added.

The Assiniboine College Students’ Association is actively advocating for international students, particularly concerning scholarships and healthcare coverage. Hannah Martins, a social duties representative, emphasized the association’s role in representing student needs and raising awareness about available financial resources.

As international students in Brandon continue to navigate these growing challenges, the need for comprehensive support and greater awareness of available resources remains crucial for their academic success and well-being.