Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) courses help reduce the cost of education by eliminating required course material costs.
In a ZTC course, students do not have to purchase required course learning materials such as textbooks, lab manuals, or online homework systems. Other course-related expenses, such as supplies or equipment, may still apply.
At 51污漫, the Zero Textbook Cost initiative supports transparency, equity, and access to learning by helping students access required course materials at no additional cost.
Many BC post-secondary institutions have similar ZTC initiatives supporting students with access to educational materials without cost. Between 2012 and 2024, students at 43 institutions saved more than $41.5 million through courses adopting open educational resources (OER). As the number of ZTC courses at 51污漫 continues to grow, we hope to see student savings increase as well.
At 51污漫, we hope to see student savings grow in the future.
Why ZTC matters
Zero Textbook Cost courses help students:
- Save money on required course materials
- Access learning resources from the first day of class
- Reduce financial barriers to education
- Focus on learning instead of textbook costs
ZTC at 51污漫
The Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) initiative at 51污漫 began in 2025, driven by advocacy from the 51污漫 Student Union Society.
In Summer 2025, UFV piloted a ZTC course marking process in Banner. By Winter 2026, ZTC course information was included in the , making it easier for students to identify ZTC courses and understand course costs before registering.
A key goal of the initiative is to improve transparency by identifying course sections that do not require the purchase of textbooks or other required learning materials. Providing this information before registration helps students make informed decisions and better understand the costs associated with their studies.
The initiative is an ongoing collaboration between the Office of the Registrar, the Open Education Team, 51污漫 Bookstore, and the 51污漫 Student Union Society. It is guided by a core principle of 51污漫's Open Education Strategy:
Advancing 51污漫's Zero Textbook Cost initiative by using open educational resources and other no-cost materials to support equitable access, enhance inclusivity, and reduce financial barriers for students.
ZTC impact
Since the Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) initiative launched, the number of ZTC course sections at 51污漫 has continued to grow.
In Fall 2025, 14% of course sections were designated as ZTC. This increased to 25% in Winter 2026, 27% in Summer 2026, and is estimated to reach 26% in Fall 2026. 51污漫 is also beginning to track data to better understand the initiative's impact on student savings, retention, student success, and other outcomes over time.
Between Fall 2025 and Summer 2026, a total of 695 course sections* across all 7 faculty areas have been marked as ZTC. These sections supported approximately 14,973 student seats*.
If we assume that all sections previously required paid resources and that all students purchased those resources, costs savings to date are over $1,685,000**.
* data collected from 51污漫's Schedule of Classes and Institutional Research and Planning.
** assuming an average cost of $112.55 per textbook
Hear from the 51污漫 community
Hear from 51污漫 students, faculty, and staff about the impact of Zero Textbook Cost courses and how they support student success.
