THE ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ UNION RESPONDS TO TUITION INCREASE FOR THE 2023/24 ACADEMIC YEAR

Fredericton, N.B. –St. Thomas University (hereinafter ‘University’) has released its Operating Budget for the 2023/2024 fiscal year. The budget includes a 3% increase for both domestic and international students, which translates to an additional $241 for domestic students and $542 for international students, enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program. The St. Thomas University Students’ Union[1] (hereinafter ‘STUSU’) is disappointed with these increases and urges the University to consider the detrimental impact these increases will have on students.

The rising costs of living, lack of affordable housing, and food insecurity have significantly contributed to the increasing financial burden that our students face. The More Than Tuition campaign[2] launched by STUSU in the 2022/23 academic year recognized the progressing financial barriers faced by students coupled with tuition, and we are dedicated to continuing our efforts to address the barriers that impede on the lives of students.

Additionally, concerns about international students and the mounting financial burden they bear are becoming more and more prevalent. International students face additional and unique challenges due to the lack of ongoing and stable financial support from the provincial government.

“I was devastated when I read the increase of $542 for international students, even in the midst of rising costs of living in the province. As international students, we will be paying over 55% more than domestic students do. This has an impact on us as students since we will need to focus more on paying the tuition and making money than on improving ourselves socially and academically.”—Fourth year international student

STUSU appreciates the efforts by the University to increase the number of bursaries; however, it is evident that further efforts need to be made to best support students and their needs. The Union is equally appreciative of the 2% grant increase from the government in addition to a conditional 1.5% based on student enrollment to the University.[3] We encourage both the university to implement a stable and predictable schedule for tuition increases and interminable increases in grants from the government.

“As the VP Education, I recognize the need for the University to ensure financial sustainability, it is imperative that the welfare of the student body and ensure that education is accessible to all. The increased financial burden weighs heavily on students who are already grappling with numerous expenses, and with this tuition increase many students will face heightened challenges.” – Emily Boucher, STUSU VP Education

“Our tuition increase is being implemented at a time where students are facing pressure from levels of inflation and while we recognize the universities obligation to maintain financial stability, students are the ones who suffer from the impact. The St. Thomas Students’ Union will continue to advocate for accessible, sustainable, and predictable funding at our university to ensure students are not forced to overlook their quality of life to obtain a quality post-secondary education.” – St. Thomas Students’ Union President

STUSU will collaborate and work actively with our external advocacy partners at the New Brunswick Student Alliance (NBSA)[4] to ensure the voices of students are amplified and advocate for accessible, affordable, and quality education. By fostering consolation and collaborative solutions with the University, we will advocate to ensure that students will not bear the financial burden. We hope to work together with the University towards a more sustainable and affordability future.

Media contact:

Stevie DeMerchant (she/her), President, su_president@stu.ca

Emily Boucher (she/her), Vice President Education, su_vped@stu.ca

[1] The St. Thomas University Students’ Union (STUSU) was established over 75 years ago and represents the interests of all students at St. Thomas University.

[2] The St. Thomas University increased 3% tuition fees for Domestic and International students in the 2023/24 academic year. “St. Thomas University Sets Operating and Ancillary Budgets for 2023-24.” 2023: St. Thomas University Sets Operating and Ancillary Budgets for 2023-24 - St Thomas University, May 29, 2023. https://www.stu.ca/news/all-news/2023/st-thomas-university-operating-and-ancillarybudgets-for-2023-24.php

[3] “Students Applaud the Government for an increase in Student Financial Assistance and a higher Increase in Operating Grants for Universities”. NBSA, March 21st, 2023. https://www.nbsa-aenb.ca/s/Press-Release_-Announcement-x4jh.pdf

[4] The New Brunswick Student Alliance (NBSA) is the largest student organization in New Brunswick, representing over 6,000 post-secondary students across four member campuses, including STU. https://www.nbsa-aenb.ca/about-us