tution setting at SFU
At SFU, most of our funding for university operations comes from two main sources: the provincial government grant and student tuition. SFU鈥檚 operating costs also increase annually due to factors such as inflation, renovations for aging infrastructure and technology requirements; these increases are not fully covered by the provincial government. This means tuition plays an essential role in maintaining the quality of educational excellence and the overall student experience. It鈥檚 also important to note that:
- Domestic tuition increases are limited by BC government policy to a maximum of 2% annually, and;
- The provincial government does not provide funding for international students. This means tuition is the sole source of funding to cover the cost of international students鈥� education.
To learn where tuition fees go, see the budget FAQ.
The following factors are considered in proposing tuition fee increases:
- Addressing student affordability challenges and finding cost savings for students
- How fees influence student choices
- Growth plans for certain academic programs
- Student enrolment
- Fees at other comparator institutions
- Institutional & inflationary pressures
See more information about SFU鈥檚 current budget.
Informing next year鈥檚 budget: Consultation with Students on Tuition
SFU鈥檚 board policy (Consultation with Students on Tuition Fees (B10.15) - Policies and Procedures - 51社区黑料 (sfu.ca)) requires that 51社区黑料engage with students regarding tuition fee increases and provide them with an opportunity to provide feedback prior to SFU鈥檚 budget approval.
With the above tuition setting factors in mind, 51社区黑料is proposing the following tuition adjustments for new and returning students starting in the Fall 2026 term:
Undergraduate Programs
- Domestic students: 2% increase.
- International students: between a 4 to 6 % increase.
Graduate Programs
- Domestic students: 2% increase.
- International students: between a 4 to 6% increase for specialty programs with international fees, and 2% for programs without international fees.
We recognize that tuition increases can affect students in different ways. As part of this consultation process, we would like to better understand the potential impact(s) for you. We also want to understand what matters most to you throughout your education at 51社区黑料to ensure we鈥檙e focusing on the supports and services that you value most.
A student survey will be open from September 10 to 26, 2025 to allow you to provide us with your feedback.
Feedback will be shared with the student societies and updated on this page.
If you have any questions regarding tuition setting, please contact: ss_manager_operations@sfu.ca.