Canada’s post-secondary education system is facing unprecedented challenges, with course offerings shrinking as institutions grapple with financial strain. This week, Ontario’s Centennial College became the latest institution to announce program cuts, suspending enrollment for 49 courses in response to the federal government’s cap on international student permits.
Centennial College President Craig Stephenson cited the policy shift as a key factor, stating, “Like other colleges and universities, we are adapting to federal immigration policy changes that have had significant implications for our enrollments and finances.”
Centennial College is not alone in making difficult decisions. Sheridan and Fleming Colleges have also announced program suspensions, while Mohawk and Conestoga Colleges are preparing to lay off hundreds of staff. The ripple effects stem from the federal government’s decision to reduce the issuance of new student visas by over a third in 2024, with further reductions planned for 2025 and 2026.
The loss of international student tuition, a critical revenue source for many institutions, has left colleges and universities scrambling to stay afloat. Ontario’s 2024 budget projects a staggering $3.1 billion loss for its colleges over the next two years due to the decline in international enrollment.
Canada has seen explosive growth in the number of international students, with active study permits reaching 1,040,985 in 2023—a 29% increase from 2022, according to Immigration, Citizenship and Refugees Canada.