Victories Driven by Student Action

  • 2005: BC's tuition fee cap

    Student rallies in response to high, unregulated tuition fee increases led to the introduction of BC’s tuition fee cap for domestic student fees, limiting fee increases to 2% annually.

  • 2007: $800 million in new federal funding

    As a result of student pressure, the 2007 federal budget announced an $800 million dollar increase to funding for the post-secondary sector.

  • 2008: First national grant system

    Canada’s first national grant system, the Canada Student Grant, is established, reducing financial barriers for low- and middle-income students to access education.

  • 2011: First U-pass agreement

    BC becomes the first province to implement a U-Pass, giving students in Metro Vancouver more affordable access to transit and thousands of dollars in savings during their studies.

  • 2017: Tuition fee-free ABE

    The BC government introduced tuition fee-free Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English Language Learning (ELL) programs, opening the door for tens of thousands of people.

  • 2017: Reduction in interest on BC student loans

    Interest rates charged on the provincial portion of student loans is reduced, collectively saving students and graduates $17 million a year.

  • 2019: Elimination of interest on BC student loans

    Continued student advocacy resulted in the full elimination of interest being charged on the provincial portion of student loans.

  • 2019: Funding for OER

    BC government provides funding for open education resources (no cost, open source textbooks) development. To-date OER has saved BC students over $34 million in textbook costs.

  • 2020: Creation of BC Access Grant

    Students’ action on the Grants Not Loans campaign led to the creation of BC’s first up-front, needs-based grant program, reducing barriers for low- and middle- income learners.

  • 2022: Off campus work limits for international students lifted*

    Temporary elimination of 20 hour/week work limits on international students, increasing ability to seek safe, well-paying jobs.

  • 2023: Elimination of interest on federal student loans

    Students leverage provincial victory to influence the federal government to eliminate interest being charged on federal student loans.

  • 2023: Federal investment in Canada Student Grant

    The federal government invests additional funds to the Canada Student Grant - eligible students can now access $4,200 per year, up from $3,000.

The major wins of the student movement and the BC Federation of Students (BCFS) are a result of collective action. Since 1975, students in BC have worked together to demonstrate the power of student solidarity across the province, push for affordable, accessible education and influence real policy changes.

These successes highlight how organizing and unified efforts can break down financial barriers for students, making post-secondary education more affordable. By working with member students’ unions to mobilize over 170,000 students from 14 institutions across BC, the BCFS ensures students' voices are heard at every level of government, achieving lasting change that benefits both current and future students.