Vancouver Island University students can expect tuition to rise with the university’s latest budget.
The university’s board of governors approved a balanced 2017-18 budget of $143.7 million on March 30. Approximately $61.3 million is anticipated to come from tuition and student services for the year.
Domestic tuition fees and student service fees are expected to increase by two per cent, according to Shelley Legin, VIU chief financial officer and vice-president of administration. It will amount to $144.86 per semester credit hour for domestic students.
The student services fee, which was introduced last year and goes toward student counselling for mental health, tablet computers and digital devices at the library and charging stations, will be $6.40 per credit this year.
According to the budget, there is a $9.2-million operating shortfall forecast, but that will be offset by international student fees, said Legin. International undergraduate students will pay $6,960 per semester or the equivalent of up to 15 credits and $580 per credit after that.
Following a record $2.3 million in scholarships and bursaries last year, Legin said that number is set to be surpassed in 2017-18 with $2.7 million.
The university will spend more than $104 million for salaries and benefits this year.
The VIU students’ union has not responded to a request for comment.