As a graduate student at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador (MUNL), I am deeply concerned about the poverty wages that Master’s and PhD students are paid. On average, graduate baseline stipends pay out less than $20,000 per year, which is simply not enough to cover basic living expenses.

This issue is especially disadvantageous to people living with disabilities who may require additional financial support. It is unacceptable that students who are pursuing advanced degrees and contributing to the academic community are forced to live in poverty.

According to a report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, Newfoundland and Labrador has one of the highest rates of poverty in Canada. This means that many graduate students at MUNL are struggling just to make ends meet.

Increasing graduate stipends would not only benefit individual students but would also improve the overall academic environment at MUNL. When students can focus on their studies instead of worrying about how they will pay rent or buy groceries, they perform better academically.

I urge MUNL administration to take action and increase graduate stipends immediately. It is time for our university to prioritize its students’ well-being and ensure that all members of our academic community have access to a livable wage.

References:
1. Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives: https://www.policyalternatives.ca/publications/reports/newfoundland-and-labrador-poverty-report-card-2019
2. Memorial University Graduate Student Union: https://www.mun.ca/gsu/