I’ve spent the last week talking to students at campuses across British Columbia, and behind the bright smiles and hopeful ambitions lies a troubling reality many Canadians might not see: empty fridges and mounting financial pressure.
A groundbreaking study from the University of British Columbia has confirmed what many student advocates have been saying for years – international students are facing a silent hunger crisis that threatens both their academic success and wellbeing.
The research, conducted by UBC’s Food Security Initiative, found that nearly 75% of international students surveyed experienced some form of food insecurity, with 35% reporting severe challenges in maintaining consistent access to nutritious meals. These numbers far exceed the general student population’s already concerning 40% food insecurity rate.
“I work 20 hours a week, the maximum allowed on my visa, but between rent increases and inflation, sometimes I have to choose between textbooks and groceries,” explained Mei Lin, a third-year business student from Malaysia studying in Vancouver. “My parents are already stretching themselves thin to pay my tuition.”
International student tuition has risen by an average of 4.5% annually over the past five years in BC institutions, according to Statistics Canada. Meanwhile, housing costs in major student hubs like Vancouver and Victoria have climbed nearly 20% since 2020.
The study’s lead researcher, Dr. Hannah Morgan, told me the findings reveal a complex issue that goes beyond simple budgeting challenges. “These students contribute enormously to our economy and campus communities, yet face structural barriers that Canadian students don’t. Their work hours are capped, they pay significantly higher tuition, and they often can’t access the same financial supports.”
For context, international undergraduate students in BC typically pay between $27,000 and $40,000 annually for tuition alone – nearly four times what domestic students pay. Add roughly $15,000 for housing, food, and other necessities, and the financial burden becomes clear.
Fraser Valley food bank coordinator James Wilson has noticed the trend at his campus-adjacent location. “Five years ago, maybe 10% of our clients were international students. Today, it’s closer to 30%. These are hardworking young people who simply can’t make ends meet despite careful planning.”
The provincial government, when contacted about the findings, pointed to their new housing affordability measures and post-secondary funding initiatives as partial solutions. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Advanced Education noted that while tuition-setting falls to individual institutions, they’re “monitoring the situation closely.”
However, student advocates argue more direct intervention is needed. The BC Federation of Students has called for expanded work rights, tuition regulation, and dedicated emergency funding for international students facing food insecurity.
“We’re essentially inviting these students to come study here, charging them premium rates, then leaving them without adequate support systems,” said Harpreet Sandhu, student union president at Simon Fraser University. “It’s not just a food issue – it’s about dignity and whether we truly value their contributions.”
At a community kitchen program in Surrey, I met Ahmed, an engineering student from Nigeria who asked that his last name be withheld. He arrives every Tuesday to help prepare meals he’ll portion out for the week ahead.
“When I first came to Canada, I thought I had budgeted well,” he explained while chopping vegetables. “But then my rent went up twice, grocery prices seemed to double, and suddenly I was skipping meals to make it work.”
Ahmed’s experience reflects a common pattern the UBC researchers identified – food insecurity often hits hardest after students have already committed to their programs and have limited options to increase their income.
Some institutions are responding to these challenges. Langara College recently expanded its campus food bank services and introduced a subsidized meal program specifically targeting international students. Capilano University launched a community garden initiative where students can grow produce while learning sustainable food practices.
But Dr. Morgan emphasizes that stopgap measures aren’t enough. “Food banks and emergency supports are crucial, but they don’t address the underlying structural issues. We need policy changes at multiple levels of government and within institutions themselves.”
The implications extend beyond hunger. The study found food-insecure international students reported higher rates of stress, poor academic performance, and social isolation – factors that undermine the very educational experience they’ve invested so much to pursue.
“Sometimes I avoid social situations because they usually involve food or spending money,” shared Yuna, a Japanese student studying environmental science in Victoria. “It affects everything – my grades, my mental health, even my decision about whether to recommend Canada to friends back home.”
BC’s reputation as an international education destination brings significant economic benefits. According to a 2021 provincial economic impact study, international students contributed over $3.5 billion to BC’s economy and supported more than 26,000 jobs.
As campus food banks report increasing demand and student advocacy groups amplify their calls for reform, the question becomes whether BC institutions and governments will implement more sustainable solutions for those who have crossed oceans to study here.
For students like Mei, Ahmed and Yuna, the answer can’t come soon enough. As another semester begins and grocery prices continue to climb, their education – and their health – hang in the balance.
