TRU tuition fees are poised to move up by two per cent - again.

But what appears to an automatic increase by the maximum amount allowed by the B.C. Liberal government each year is anything but, said university board of governors chairman Karl de Bruijn.

The board introduced a motion Friday to increase tuition fees by the limit prescribed by the Ministry of Advanced Education. Targeted at the rate of inflation, it is expected to be about two per cent. Most fees will also go up by the same amount.

The university has consistently hiked tuition for domestic students at the allowed maximum. The increase for foreign students has been much higher.

"The block funding (from government) is set… . A lot of costs aren't always funded," said Michael Parker, a city accountant who heads the finance committee.

Both Parker and de Bruijn said some areas had to be cut, even with a tuition increase expected to bring in another $365,000.

"We feel the same inflation pressures as everyone else," de Bruijn said.

At $3,500 a semester, TRU's tuition is about the same as the other newly created B.C. universities and well behind the four research universities at $4,500.

"We're the third-lowest of the universities in B.C., de Bruijn said. "We're fairly comparable to institutions throughout the community and favourable to most."

Melissa Schuurman, a student representative on the board, said she won't oppose the increase because the university has little choice.

"I understand the reasoning behind it… . When you explain it to them (students) really it's about $65 a year."