B.C. Post-Secondary Funding Crisis: What It Means for Students and Families

If you are a student or parent in British Columbia, here is the key impact: You may soon face larger class sizes, fewer program options, and higher tuition fees. Post-secondary schools across the province are cutting staff and struggling with budget shortfalls.

What is happening?

A funding crisis is hitting post-secondary schools in Surrey and across B.C. Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Simon Fraser University have laid off nearly 100 staff over the past two years. The problem is getting worse.

According to a report by B.C. Policy Solutions, 19 of the province's 25 public institutions are expected to operate at a loss over the next three years. That means most schools in B.C. are losing money.

Why is this happening?

Two main reasons:

Chronic provincial underfunding – Public funding for post-secondary education has dropped from 68% in 2000 to just 40% today. Schools have relied on international student fees to make up the difference.
New federal limits on international student permits – In 2024, the federal government capped international study permits. This reduced the high tuition fees that schools depended on to balance their budgets.

Who is affected?

Students in Surrey – Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Simon Fraser University are directly affected by staff cuts.
Students across B.C. – 19 out of 25 public institutions face operating losses.
Families paying tuition – Schools may raise domestic tuition to cover shortfalls.
Future students – Programs may be cut, and class sizes may grow.

What you should do

Here are actionable steps you can take right now:

Stay informed – Check your local institution's website for updates on program changes, tuition increases, or staff cuts.
Contact your provincial representative – Tell them you support increased public funding for post-secondary education. The report recommends that government funding cover 75% of operating costs.
Contact your federal representative – Ask them to consider the impact of international student permit caps on domestic students.
Plan ahead – If you are applying to a B.C. school, research which programs are stable and which may face cuts.
Watch for tuition changes – The report recommends maintaining tuition limits for both domestic and international students. If your school proposes increases, speak up.

Bottom line

B.C.'s post-secondary schools are in financial trouble. Years of underfunding and new federal limits on international students have created a crisis. Students and families may face larger classes, fewer programs, and higher tuition. The best thing you can do is stay informed and contact your elected officials to advocate for more public funding.