Forced to flee their homes in Ukraine amidst the brutal invasion by Russia more than four years ago, a significant number of Ukrainian students in Canada are now confronting a new wave of financial hardship. The looming requirement to pay international tuition fees at many universities across the country threatens to derail their educational aspirations, adding another layer of uncertainty to lives already upended by conflict. This emerging crisis highlights a patchwork of provincial policies and institutional decisions, leaving many students in a precarious position as federal support programs wind down.
Saskatchewan Stands Apart: A Beacon of Stability
In a stark contrast to the prevailing trend, Saskatchewan has emerged as a solitary province committed to maintaining domestic tuition rates for students who arrived in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program. This initiative, launched by the federal government in March 2022, was designed as a temporary measure to offer a safe haven for Ukrainians escaping the escalating war. The provincial government’s decision to extend this crucial support until March 31, 2030, offers a vital lifeline to approximately 36 Ukrainian students within its borders.
"It gives students some assurance," stated Saskatchewan Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff in a recent interview. His sentiment underscores the government’s desire to foster an environment where these displaced individuals can not only pursue their education but also envision a future and potentially make Saskatchewan their permanent home. Minister Cheveldayoff, who has personal ties to the Ukrainian community, also confirmed that the provincial government is actively assisting Ukrainian students in navigating pathways toward permanent residency and citizenship, further solidifying their integration into Canadian society.
The financial implications of this decision are substantial. According to Statistics Canada’s Fall 2025 Tuition and Living Accommodation Costs survey, the average domestic undergraduate student in Saskatchewan paid $9,383 in annual tuition. This stands in stark opposition to the $33,064 international undergraduate students were charged in the province, and significantly less than the national average for international undergraduates, which stood at $41,746 annually. This disparity underscores the immense financial burden that would be placed on Ukrainian students if they were to be reclassified as international fee-payers.
Marjorie Delbaere, interim vice-provost for students and learning at the University of Saskatchewan, expressed her support for the provincial government’s decision, emphasizing that it provides "leaners, who came here seeking refuge, have the stability and support to complete their education here in Saskatchewan." This assurance is paramount for students who have already endured immense trauma and displacement.
A Divergent Landscape: Provincial and Institutional Responses
Beyond the borders of Saskatchewan, the landscape for Ukrainian students seeking higher education becomes significantly more varied, revealing a complex interplay of provincial mandates and institutional autonomy.
In neighbouring Manitoba, the University of Manitoba has adopted a policy that allows students who commenced their studies under a CUAET visa and were assessed at domestic tuition rates to complete their programs under the same fee structure. This measure impacts approximately 107 Ukrainian students. However, the university has clarified that "As the federal government is no longer issuing CUAET visas, any new students arriving from Ukraine will be assessed at international tuition rates." This distinction is critical, as it signals a potential end to the current cohort’s access to domestic rates once their initial CUAET visas expire or if they are no longer considered under that initial assessment.
The federal CUAET program, while instrumental in providing refuge, was always intended as a temporary measure. Although the federal government ceased issuing new CUAET permits in 2023, a significant announcement was made on March 31 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Existing permit-holders are now afforded an extension, with the ability to apply for further extensions until March 2027, granting them an additional three years of stay and work authorization in Canada. This extension, while offering some breathing room, does not automatically translate to continued domestic tuition eligibility at most institutions.
Alberta’s post-secondary institutions operate under a different framework, with the provincial government stating that "Alberta’s post-secondary institutions have the authority to set their own tuition and fees." Myles McDougall, the provincial minister of advanced education, acknowledged the concerns of Ukrainian students, noting that "many have provided and continue to provide domestic tuition rates or other supports specifically for Ukrainian students." He indicated that the provincial government would "continue to work with institutions to ensure the system is fair, consistent, and sustainable for international students." This statement suggests a degree of institutional discretion and a willingness to engage, but lacks the concrete policy commitment seen in Saskatchewan.
The University of Toronto Controversy: A Case Study in Shifting Policies
The situation at the University of Toronto (U of T), Canada’s largest post-secondary institution, has become a focal point of the growing concern. In March, U of T discontinued domestic tuition eligibility for Ukrainian students who had been admitted under the CUAET program. This abrupt change has created significant financial distress for many students who had made educational plans based on the expectation of domestic rates.
The Ukrainian Canadian Students’ Union has been a vocal advocate for these students, urging U of T to reinstate domestic tuition. In a strongly worded letter addressed to U of T President Melanie Woodin on March 27, Daria Furtak, president of the union, highlighted that numerous students "applied and accepted offers" contingent on domestic tuition. The sudden withdrawal has erected "unexpected financial barriers at a critical stage in the admissions process, with some now at risk of being unable to pursue their education altogether or needing to rethink their entire academic timeline."
The union’s letter posited that the decision might have stemmed from a "misinterpretation of the CUAET program timeline," particularly in light of the recent federal announcement extending visa provisions. This suggests that while students may be remaining in Canada for an extended period, their fee status at the university has been prematurely reclassified. The union emphasized that "The need for accessible education pathways therefore remains both present and urgent."
The financial disparity at U of T is stark. For the 2025-26 academic year, domestic undergraduate tuition ranges from approximately $6,100 to $16,090. In contrast, international tuition at U of T can soar from around $48,090 to $70,060 annually. This dramatic difference underscores the magnitude of the financial challenge facing Ukrainian students at the institution. Attempts by University Affairs to seek comment from Dr. Woodin were unsuccessful by the publication date.
In her communication with the U of T president, Ms. Furtak also revealed that the Ukrainian Canadian Students’ Union has been actively engaging with provincial education ministries to "explore funding mechanisms that would assist institutions in continuing to offer domestic tuition to Ukrainian students, helping to alleviate the financial burden on universities." This proactive approach indicates a broader strategy to address the funding gap and find sustainable solutions.
A Call for a National Framework
Recognizing the systemic nature of the issue, Saskatchewan’s Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff is advocating for a unified, Canada-wide approach. He plans to raise the tuition fee dilemma for Ukrainian students at the upcoming Council of Ministers of Education meeting in Quebec City. This proposed national dialogue aims to foster consultation among provinces and explore coordinated solutions to ensure a more equitable and predictable educational future for these students.
The complexities extend beyond policy. Former Nova Scotia independent senator Stan Kutcher, a professor emeritus of psychiatry at Dalhousie University and of Ukrainian descent, shared his experience in attempting to secure domestic tuition relief for Ukrainian students in Nova Scotia. Dr. Kutcher stated that he approached Brendan Maguire, the Government House Leader and former advanced education minister, and received a "negative response with no substantive rationale." Furthermore, his subsequent attempts to engage in further discussion with the minister were "met with radio silence." University Affairs also sought comment from Mr. Maguire but received no response by the publication date.
Dr. Kutcher highlighted the unique circumstances of many Ukrainian students in Canada. He noted that a considerable number arrived with their families, have completed their high school education in Canada, and possess a proficiency in English that often surpasses their native Ukrainian. Despite these deep ties to Canada, their current immigration status—neither permanent residents nor citizens—renders them subject to international tuition fees, creating an unintended barrier to their higher education.
Broader Implications and the Path Forward
The financial strain faced by Ukrainian students is not merely an isolated concern; it reflects broader challenges in Canada’s approach to supporting refugees and displaced individuals within its higher education system. The inconsistent application of tuition policies across provinces and institutions raises questions about national equity and the long-term integration of individuals seeking to rebuild their lives.
The CUAET program, while successful in providing immediate refuge, has illuminated the need for more comprehensive, long-term strategies for supporting displaced students. As the initial influx of refugees from Ukraine transitions into a more protracted period of settlement, educational institutions and governments face the critical task of ensuring that these individuals can contribute to Canadian society without facing prohibitive financial obstacles.
The varied responses from provincial governments and universities underscore the decentralized nature of Canada’s education system. While this autonomy can allow for tailored solutions, it also creates disparities that can leave vulnerable populations at a disadvantage. The Ukrainian Canadian Students’ Union’s efforts to engage provincial ministries and explore funding mechanisms suggest a growing awareness of the need for collaborative solutions that involve both educational institutions and government bodies.
The potential implications of inaction are significant. If tuition fees remain an insurmountable barrier, Canada risks losing a generation of skilled and motivated individuals who could otherwise enrich its economy and social fabric. The financial burden could also force students to abandon their academic pursuits altogether, leading to underemployment and a less diversified workforce.
As the federal government continues to manage the immigration status of Ukrainians in Canada, and as provincial governments grapple with their roles in post-secondary education funding, the urgent need for a cohesive and compassionate national strategy becomes increasingly apparent. The experiences of Ukrainian students serve as a critical case study, urging policymakers to consider the long-term educational and societal benefits of ensuring accessible pathways to higher learning for all those seeking refuge and a new beginning in Canada. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether a unified and supportive approach will emerge, or if a fragmented landscape will continue to present significant challenges for these resilient students.
