International Tuition - Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

How many international students are studying at Camosun College?

• Currently, there are just under 1,700 international students from over 70 countries at Camosun. This is slightly lower than the pre-pandemic number.
• International students account for approximately 18 per cent of the student population at Camosun.

How does international tuition compare to domestic tuition?

• Typically, international student tuition is three to four times more than domestic tuition.

How much is international tuition increasing compared to domestic tuition?

• Domestic student tuition in B.C. is capped at a two per cent annual increase by a provincial government policy.
• International student tuition will be increasing 3.4 per cent annually starting September 2024.

Why is the tuition increase higher for international students than domestic?

• International student tuition is not subsidized by the provincial government unlike domestic students.
• International students are expected to pay the full cost of their education.
• Additional funds also enhance classrooms, services and supports for all students.

How does tuition for international students at Camosun compare to other colleges?

• International tuition costs as well as the tuition increases vary by college.
• Camosun has the lowest* annual international tuition fees on Southern Vancouver Island and the second lowest* for Vancouver Island.
• The increases over the next five years will make it easier for international students to budget their full cost of education.

Is Camosun using international tuition to balance its budget?

• Our financial situation has greatly improved post-pandemic due to the efforts of the college community. As a result, we will be reporting a balanced budget for 2022/23.
• A key driver for recovery to date has been the growth in the number of international students, which is still lower than pre-pandemic.

Will the 3.4% increase apply to new and returning international students?

• The increase applies to all international students.

Will there be further increases to international student tuition?

• The Board of Governors approved an annual increase of 3.4 per cent over the next five years.

Will the increase also apply to mandatory fees paid by international students.

• No, fees will increase by two per cent for domestic and international students.

* Annual International Tuition Fees for Arts Program, BC Public Post-Secondary Institutions, Academic Year 2022/23