Subject: Request for Policy Reconsideration and CUAET Status Clarification

Dear Registrar’s Office at University of Toronto,

First and foremost, I am writing to sincerely thank the University of Toronto for its leadership and commitment to supporting Ukrainian students over the past four years. The initial decision to extend domestic tuition rates to CUAET holders had a meaningful and lasting impact on students who have been directly affected by war and displacement. I recognize that this support was made possible through the University’s own resources, and I am deeply grateful for this commitment.

I am also writing to address the recent policy change made by the University to revoke domestic tuition eligibility for students under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program. I understand that this decision may have been influenced by an interpretation of the CUAET program timeline, particularly in relation to the March 31, 2026 date.

I would like to respectfully clarify that this date does not represent the conclusion of the CUAET program or the end of status for its participants. Rather, it is a deadline established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for individuals to extend their status under CUAET, allowing them to remain in Canada on valid work permits for an additional three-year period.

As a result, a significant number of CUAET holders will continue to reside in Canada for several years beyond this date. Consequently, the need for accessible and equitable education pathways is an ongoing and immediate concern for many Ukrainian students looking to study and build a life in Canada.

In light of this clarification, I respectfully urge the University to revisit and reconsider its current approach to tuition eligibility for CUAET students. The recent policy change does not appear to fully reflect the current realities of the program and risks creating unintended barriers for students navigating already complex circumstances. The decision has also had detrimental consequences on students who  have applied and accepted offers based on this commitment, leaving many facing unexpected financial barriers at a critical stage in the admissions process. Some UofT students are now at risk of needing to rethink their academic timeline or being unable to pursue their education altogether. This is occurring alongside the already significant stress these students and their families continue to face, many of whom are actively contributing to Ontario through employment, the payment of provincial taxes, and broader participation in the economy.

A timely reassessment would help ensure that institutional policies remain aligned with federal frameworks and the lived realities of affected students. Given the urgency of this matter and the potential for students to be forced into delaying their education, we respectfully request our community to get a response by Friday, April 10th, 2026.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I sincerely appreciate the University of Toronto’s past support for Ukrainian students and trust that this matter may be revisited in light of the above clarification.

Sincerely,

future.students@utoronto.ca

ife.support@utoronto.ca