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SB 1229

Students from foreign countries; student exchange programs, tuition and fee waivers.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lashrecse Aird

Virginia allows public universities to waive tuition and fees for undergraduate international exchange students, effective July 2025, enhancing cultural diplomacy but potentially reducing institutional revenue.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0263)
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Bill Summary · SB 1229

Legislative bill overview

SB 1229 authorizes Virginia public institutions of higher education to waive tuition and fees for undergraduate international students participating in approved student exchange programs. The bill became effective July 1, 2025, and allows universities discretion to offer these waivers to facilitate cultural and educational exchanges.

Why is this important

Student exchange programs strengthen diplomatic and educational ties between nations while enhancing campus diversity. By allowing tuition waivers, Virginia institutions can compete more effectively for high-quality international students and expand reciprocal exchange opportunities, though this affects institutional budgets and domestic student considerations.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact: Waiving tuition for international students reduces institutional revenue unless offset by state funding or other sources, potentially affecting resources for domestic students or programs
  • Fairness concerns: Domestic students may view preferential pricing for international exchange participants as inequitable, especially given existing tuition disparities
  • Program selectivity: The bill grants institutions discretion to choose which exchange programs qualify, creating potential inconsistency across Virginia's higher education system and questions about selection criteria

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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