Quebec Students Face Rising Costs Amid Tariff War Challenges

The cost of higher education in Quebec continues to escalate, impacting students as they navigate financial pressures linked to various factors. According to the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), students can expect to spend approximately $21,631 on living expenses in 2025, mainly on accommodation and food. Tuition fees further complicate financial planning, with annual costs ranging from $2,000 to $35,000 depending on the program, and international students facing fees between $25,000 and $56,000. This situation follows the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government’s announcement of a mandatory minimum tuition of $20,000 for international students starting in 2024.

Impact of Tariff War on Student Expenses

As the academic year begins, students typically seek ways to save money. However, the ongoing tariff war initiated by former U.S. President Donald Trump has resulted in rising costs across various sectors, including education-related expenses. Emmanuelle Faubert, an economist with the Montreal Economic Institute (MEI), highlights that the tariff war has affected not only school supplies but also essential living expenses like rent and food. She notes that the increased costs are especially pronounced in food prices due to the tariffs and subsequent counter-tariffs.

The disruption of supply chains, particularly for products manufactured in the United States or those requiring transportation between Canada and the U.S., has further exacerbated the situation. Faubert explains that there is often a delay in price adjustments due to stock depletion, which complicates budgeting for students. Despite the challenges, she anticipates that prices for supplies, books, and clothing may stabilize in the coming months as counter-tariffs are lifted.

Challenges to Free Education in Quebec

Despite ongoing discussions about the affordability of education, experts assert that Quebec remains far from achieving free higher education, a model adopted in various European countries. A study conducted by the Institut de recherche et d’informations socioéconomiques (IRIS) in 2022 estimated that implementing free university education in Quebec would require an annual investment of approximately $1.2 billion.

As students in Quebec grapple with rising tuition and living costs, the broader implications of the tariff war and the ongoing debate about education funding continue to shape the landscape of higher education in the province.