Ontario Lifts Tuition Freeze at Public Universities

Ontario will allow public universities and colleges to raise tuition for the first time since 2019 as part of a new funding model aimed at stabilizing the higher education sector. The move, announced on February 12, 2026, seeks to address budget shortfalls faced by institutions due to the tuition freeze and cuts to international student visas. The government plans to inject an additional $6.4 billion into higher education over four years, increasing annual operating funding to $7 billion. Institutions can raise tuition by up to 2% annually for three years, followed by a potential increase tied to inflation. While the government argues this will protect the sector and the economy, critics worry about the impact on students already struggling with affordability.