BC Launches Post-Secondary Sustainability Review — Here’s What Students at VIU Told Government
In November 2025, the Government of British Columbia launched an independent review of the public post-secondary education system to assess how the sector can remain accessible, affordable, and financially sustainable amid significant pressures from inflation, declining domestic enrolment, and federal reductions to international student study permits. The review, led by Don Avison, KC, will deliver recommendations by March 15, 2026, and is looking at governance, program delivery, and long-term financial resilience across BC’s 25 public colleges and universities.
As part of this process, the Vancouver Island University Students’ Union (VIUSU) submitted a brief representing the voices of approximately 10,000 students from VIU’s campuses in Nanaimo, Cowichan, and tiw̓semawtxw (Powell River). Below is a summary of what students are saying, with a link to our full submission for more detail.
Students Need Local Access to Education
For many students on Vancouver Island, accessing post-secondary education locally is essential. Relocating for school isn’t realistic for learners facing rising housing costs, caregiving duties, work commitments, and transportation barriers. VIU’s regional campuses make education possible without forcing students to leave their communities.
VIU also plays a key role in training people for local-need careers, from health care and trades to education and technology.
Underfunding Is Already Hurting Students
Students report that underfunding is affecting their ability to succeed:
Course shortages and long waitlists are delaying graduations.
Cuts to advising, counselling, accessibility supports, and learning services are making retention harder.
Rising costs of living, food insecurity, and aging infrastructure increase stress and financial strain.
These issues aren’t future problems, they’re already shaping student experiences.
Cuts Are Not a Sustainability Plan
VIUSU emphasized that cuts alone won’t make the system sustainable. Reductions in services and programs shift more costs and challenges onto students, increasing the chance of delayed completion or dropping out.
Structural Changes Must Protect Students
The provincial review may consider system-wide changes, like governance restructuring or consolidation. VIUSU’s submission stresses that any changes must not weaken access, especially at regional campuses, or reduce opportunities for Indigenous, low-income, mature, and rural students. Meaningful student and Indigenous participation must be built into decision-making from the start.
Affordability Goes Beyond Tuition Caps
While protecting tuition caps is important, students also face mandatory fees and living costs that make education less affordable. VIUSU argues that the provincial review must consider the full cost of education, not just tuition alone.
What Students Are Calling For
VIUSU’s recommendations to government include:
Stable, predictable public funding for post-secondary institutions.
Protection of regional campuses and programs.
Stronger student and Indigenous representation in review and planning.
Policies that support completion, affordability, and access for all learners.