International Students in Brandon Struggle with Rising Costs

International students studying in Brandon are grappling with significant financial pressures, housing shortages, and limited work opportunities. These challenges are impacting their academic experiences, despite efforts from local universities, colleges, and student organizations to provide support.

Students like Sophia Dande-Ayasuk from Brandon University have expressed that balancing higher tuition fees with everyday expenses is overwhelming. “International students have higher fees and more bills to pay, but then they’re also restricted in the number of hours they can work,” she stated. The restrictions on off-campus work hours, implemented in recent years, further complicate financial management for many. Dande-Ayasuk believes students should be allowed to work as many hours as they can, provided it does not interfere with their studies.

Housing remains a pressing concern for these students. The competition for accommodation in Brandon is fierce, particularly for those from abroad. Bukunmi Bantale, a nursing student at Brandon University, pointed out that demanding academic schedules make it difficult for students to find enough time to work. He noted, “In nursing, you’re juggling classes, clinicals and long shifts. Sometimes the advice is not to work at all, but at the same time, tuition still has to be paid.” Bantale highlighted that while scholarships and bursaries exist, they often only cover a small portion of international tuition costs, which can reach around $20,000 annually.

Awareness of available financial aid is another barrier for students. Tosin Salau, an international student representative at Brandon University, mentioned that many scholarships and bursaries often go unclaimed due to a lack of information about their existence. “There are so many scholarships and bursaries that students don’t even know about,” Salau explained. The university has implemented a centralized application system, allowing students to apply for multiple awards with a single submission, which could simplify the process.

Student groups and the Office of International Students are also working to address food insecurity and winter preparedness through initiatives like food banks and the distribution of winter clothing. Salau emphasized the importance of ensuring students are aware of these resources, stating, “These supports are there, but sometimes students don’t realize they can access them.”

At Assiniboine College, international students face similar hurdles. Toyosi Babalola, a social service worker student, noted that the federal work limit of 24 hours per week does not allow them to meet tuition deadlines. “Working 24 hours a week cannot cover half of our tuition, not to mention all of it,” she remarked. Additionally, Babalola highlighted healthcare costs as a significant stressor, explaining that insurance often requires upfront payment, which can be challenging during emergencies.

The Assiniboine College Students’ Association is actively advocating for international students, focusing particularly on scholarships and health coverage. Social duties representative Hannah Martins stated, “The role of the association is to advocate. Many of the available scholarships are donor-funded, but it’s something we continue to raise with the board.”

The experience of international students in Brandon reflects broader issues faced by many in similar situations. As they navigate the complexities of education abroad, the intersection of financial strain, housing insecurity, and academic demands continues to shape their journeys.