CALGARY -- As several University of Calgary students across all levels protested outside a board meeting Friday, a majority of the 21-member panel voted in favour of a tuition increase for students attending the school.

As a result of the decision, most of the undergraduate student population will pay an increase of seven per cent more to attend class while graduate students will have to pay two per cent more.

That means an arts & science undergraduate returning for second year courses will see an additional $316 added to the cost of their course load.

International students will see a 10 per cent jump in fees, as will domestic and international Bachelor of Engineering students.

"The tuition at the University of Calgary has not kept pace with its Canadian peer universities, creating a substantial gap between the University of Calgary tuition and its peer group," said Geeta Sankappanavar, chair of Board of Governors.

The increases come after a five-year tuition freeze at the 2014/15 academic level imposed by the previous NDP government.

This past fall, the UCP government removed the cap and said post-secondary institutions could increase fees by seven per cent each year over the next three years.

A graduate student, who only wanted to be referred to as Avery, led most of the rallying cries during the morning's demonstration.

"If you are going to charge me more, give me the same services if not better. That's my feelings, I understand there are tough decisions to be made but maybe look in your own wallets rather than in mine."

Other students who took part said they can't take on any more education costs.

"It's coming to a point where I don't know if I can attend university and this is my first year and that's shocking," said first-year student Brandon Eby.

Academic leaders say the decision to increase fees was made after more than 20 consultation meetings with students over several months.

"We've received a lot of feedback from students who are ok with the tuition increase but you certainly heard a vocal minority today and what I would say is these were very carefully considered," said Drew Marshall, vice president academic and provost for the U of C.

Marshall also said she recognizes the added stress the decision could have on students, and there are no plans to cut mental health resource funding on campus.

Additionally, 15 per cent of new revenue from the tuition increases will support financial aid in the form of grants and bursaries.

It's expected tuition rates will continue to rise over the next three years, although the university sets the fees one year at a time.