The University of Manitoba Students’ Union held a protest Thursday, urging the school to reject a potential four per cent tuition increase expected later this month.

The demonstration comes after the province gave post-secondary institutions the green light to raise tuition by up to four per cent for the 2026-27 academic year — the largest increase allowed in Manitoba in nearly a decade.

The University of Manitoba has not yet made a decision, but its board of governors is expected to consider the increase when it meets April 16. Student leaders say even that level of increase would add pressure at a time when many are already struggling with the rising cost of living.

‘It’s very tough out here,’ said Heaven Kaur, vice-president of university affairs with the student union.

‘While students are buying textbooks … it can cost … $200, all the way to $500. Our food bank here at the institution has seen an increase in users, from roughly 50 to 60 people to well over 500.’

Kaur said students are questioning why tuition needs to be increased, pointing to a two per cent increase in provincial operating grants and urging the university to look for other ways to manage its finances.

‘There’s so many other ways that, as an institution, we can be supporting our students and not increasing tuition by four per cent,’ she said.

Students at the protest described having to make difficult choices if fees go up.

Mike McCurdy said he may need to take on more work or reduce his course load.

‘For me personally, I just have to either find a second job … or ask my parents … or possibly take less classes so that tuition is less money,’ he said.

That could mean delaying graduation, something McCurdy worries could affect his chances of finding a job.

Another student, Jasper Beach, said he’s already struggling to cover basic costs such as gas and insurance, and has been denied both government student aid and a line of credit.

‘There’s really not enough support for students,’ he said.

University president Michael Benarroch has said tuition increases are needed to help offset financial pressures.

In a statement, he said provincial funding has declined in real terms over the past decade. While the university welcomed a two per cent increase to its operating grant, he said it is not enough to cover costs.

‘While we saw a rise in domestic student enrolment this fall, it cannot compensate for the 40 per cent drop in international enrolment or replace the revenue, innovation and diversity of thought those students brought to our campus,’ Benarroch said.

He said tuition at the University of Manitoba remains 22.5 per cent below the national average and that the school is committed to maintaining accessibility through scholarships and bursaries.

Some students acknowledged the university’s financial challenges.

McCurdy said the rationale for a tuition increase ‘makes sense,’ but added it still puts students in a difficult position as they try to balance school with rising everyday costs.