Ivan Teteria’s journey to the University of Saskatchewan campus for his first week of classes this autumn symbolized the culmination of his hard work. Following his departure from Ukraine amid the escalating conflict three years ago, he resettled in Regina at the age of 15, facing an uncertain future. In a new environment, he strived to establish a sense of normalcy through education, friendships, and envisioning a prospective path.
His aspirations seemed within reach thanks to a Saskatchewan initiative that permitted Ukrainian students, who sought refuge from the war, to pay the same tuition fees as Canadian residents. Now enrolled as a first-year political science student, Teteria expresses concerns that this opportunity may soon vanish. He emphasizes the importance of certainty over ambiguity for individuals striving to secure their future.
Established in response to Russia’s invasion in 2022, the program enables Ukrainian students to pursue higher education at Saskatchewan’s institutions without incurring international tuition costs, which can exceed $60,000 annually for specialized programs. While the provincial authorities affirm that the agreement has not been terminated, its renewal remains pending.
However, students have been informed through university communications that the current arrangement will conclude after the winter term of 2026. This uncertainty looms large for many affected individuals.
Teteria observes a growing apprehension among Ukrainian high schoolers considering their university options due to the prohibitive international tuition rates. He recounts instances of distressed parents seeking solutions to this predicament. Similarly, Solomiia Kulyk, a first-year business student, credits the program for enabling her educational pursuit, currently benefiting from domestic tuition rates that would otherwise quadruple.
Both students stress that the issue extends beyond financial implications, impacting the stability of their lives in Saskatchewan. They emphasize the need for clarity to sustain their educational endeavors and future prospects in Canada.
In response to mounting concerns, Teteria, Kulyk, and other students recently attended a session at the Saskatchewan Legislature, where legislators addressed their plight. Opposition members advocated for government intervention to support these students in completing their education and contributing to the local economy.
The provincial government discloses that approximately 26 students receive assistance under the program, with Saskatchewan’s annual contribution amounting to about $300,000. Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff assures that discussions with federal authorities will precede the program’s expiration in March 2026, emphasizing the government’s commitment to exploring similar initiatives in the future.
For Teteria and his peers, the uncertainty surrounding the program casts a shadow over their aspirations. They express reliance on governmental decisions and urge prompt action to extend the program, underscoring the importance of securing their educational pursuits without disruption.