International students, you can get in touch anytime with our UVSS Director of International Student Relations, Adam Choi (he/him), at internationalrep@uvss.ca
Join us at International Student Relations Committee! All international students are welcome. This committee represents all international students and coordinates advocacy efforts and inclusive events; lobbies important issues such as lowering unnecessary tuition spikes, keeping student fees transparent, along with increasing necessary social, health, and financial supports; and collaborates with other UVSS groups and portfolios on intersectional issues. Check out our committees calendar to find out about the next meeting, or email Josh to get involved.
Come to the UVSS SAGM to vote in support of international students!
The UVSS SAGM (Semi-Annual General Meeting) will be taking place on Thursday, February 17th at 2:30pm on Zoom. You can find all the info you need to join on our SAGM page.
We hope you’ll join us to vote in support of international students at UVic! There is a motion on the table to ensure the UVSS Director of International Student Relations will be able to dedicate more time to support and advocating for international students. Please come out to VOTE YES to support Motion 03!
Testaments for Fair International Tuition Rate
We the students ask UVic to (1) freeze international tuition for the upcoming year, and (2) limit the annual tuition increase to 2% for international students for at least the next two years.
Over the last decade, international tuition at UVic has increased by 151%. This is plenty higher than the rate of inflation. For many current and potential students, accepting another increase in tuition this year is simply not an option.
The UVSS has submitted an advocacy document to UVic with the above asks, and with the evidence of student testaments in support of these asks. Thanks to all who have contributed their time and experiences towards this advocacy.
UVSS & GSS petition to lower International MSP fee
Monthly health fees for international students increased from $37.50 to $75.00 in January 2020, causing increased stress and pressure to international students while damaging the image of BC as a leader in international academic collaboration and alliances.
We are asking the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia to support the elimination international students’ MSP fees.
Thanks to all who have signed in support of this petition!
UVSS win: International student work study budget!
Following the previous major win in international student advocacy regarding international bursaries, UVic has now also committed to increase the International Work Study budget by $200,000 due to further review. The current UVSS Director of International Student Relations, Josh, is excited to confirm this news and to continue advocating for such international student supports.
International Work Study applications and questions regarding eligibility can be inquired about by emailing wstudy@uvic.ca.
International Student Fee Lobbying Effort
The UVSS has long been concerned with student affordability and tuition fees. Over the last 10 years, international tuition at UVic has increased by 151%.
On January 21st, UVSS Director of International Student Relations, Dipayan Nag, submitted a letter to UVic’s Board of Governors on behalf of more than 2,000 international undergraduate students regarding international student tuition fees asking the BoG to (1) freeze international tuition fees for the coming year, and (2) limit the annual tuition increase to 2% for international students for at least the next two years. The letter also includes testimonials from international students themselves.
If you have any questions or would like to join the effort, contact Dipayan at internationalrep@uvss.ca
UVSS win: International student bursaries!
Major win in international student advocacy! In response to the lobbying efforts, led by Sarina, UVSS Director for Outreach/Uni Relations and Dipayan, UVSS Director of International Student Relations, UVic has committed to increase the International Bursary by $200K. UVic is looking to further review and increase support for International work-study program! We will keep you updated as we get more information.
International Bursary applications can be inquired about by emailing finaid@uvic.ca.
