Note: The numbers and percentages shown below are subject to change
Increases in tuition, fees, and housing
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is proposing an increase in tuition and fees for 2024 to 2025. They proposed a two percent increase in domestic tuition and mandatory fees and a six percent increase in international differential fees.
They also propose increasing the monthly rent in student housing by six percent. This will be approximately an increase for long-term residents from $807.40/month to $855.69/month and for short-term residents, from $32.46 to $34.41 a day.
Proposing new financial aid programs
To help alleviate the financial burden for students, they propose implementing a rent relief program by reserving 1% of the total rental income to provide rental relief for those who cannot afford rent. The parking lot next to the student housing plan to increase to $25 a month as well.
They are also proposing to implement a financial aid program where they allocate one percent of the reserve tuition fee to finance aid for international students. BCIT plans to propose this idea as they recognize that international students are not eligible for need-based financial needs (bursaries) and are currently only eligible for merit-based financial needs (scholarships). This financial aid program would not be used to cover a large tuition fee. Instead, it would be used for food and rent.
Instead of decreasing the international differential fees to five percent, BCIT plans to increase the fees to six percent and use that one percent for a bursary program for international students.
To help calculate tuition fees, BCIT recently started a tuition estimator tool on their website.
BCIT is always looking for more ways to help students with affordability. They encourage anyone to suggest ideas and share their thoughts.
Annual General Meeting (AGM) Highlights
If a building needs general maintenance, such as a bathroom, that is the responsibility of BCIT. BCIT Student Association (BCITSA) is just a tenant of BCIT—even the bathrooms of the building where the BCITSA offices are located.
Someone asked about more services being run in the evening. The BCITSA said that it used to run until 8 or 9 p.m. The challenge was that very few people were on campus, and it was hard to break even. They understand the student’s need for extended service hours, and as business pickup, they’re open to extending their business hours.
A solution to this challenge was proposed. Someone suggested installing vending machines such as the ones created by Upmeals, where students can access freshmeals 24/7. The BCITSA plans to lobby that to BCIT if that is possible, as they do not have control over vending machines.
In December, the five-year agreement between BCIT and Chartwell ended. Therefore, as of upcoming January, the Pavilion will be run by BCIT, not by BCITSA.
