The UBC Board of Governors and the Alma Matter Society have revealed that there will be a 10% increase of the tuition from 2015 for the incoming  international students. In addition, the residence fee will be raised by 20% from next fall.

The objective of the action is to attract more domestic and international students by improving facility and academic experience as well as boosting the university’s competitiveness and reputation. UBC could devote more of its money on student services such as counseling, which is now underfunded and needs more budget to improve its service.

It is certain UBC’s tuition fee cannot be too far from its competitors such as University of Toronto and McGill, both with  a higher international tuition and more international students bodys. Thus, UBC has chosen the accurate market strategy to increase its international recognition and  its academic reputation.

But, wouldn’t the increase in tuition lower than the number of applicants?

A higher tuition will serve more as an incentive instead of obstacle for  applicants. Due to the inelastic demand, there will be a  great number of international students who  compete for being admitted to UBC, and the demand doesn’t change because UBC is only charging similar tuition, despite high, as other renowned universities( not to mention American universities which have even higher international tuition).

Therefore, despite international students’ opposition and protest, the university still consider the decision justified as it will bring positive impacts on UBC.

References:

http://students.ubc.ca/enrolment/finances/tuition/tuition-consultation/framework