Ontario’s community colleges may face more program cuts and exacerbate their existing financial challenges due to the federal government’s decision to limit the admission of international students to 155,000 next year. This reduction is half of the previously planned cap of 305,900 international students by 2026, as outlined in the latest immigration levels report released alongside the federal budget. The plan aims to significantly decrease the number of temporary residents accepted, with 155,000 students in 2026 and 150,000 each in 2027 and 2028.
The CEO of Colleges Ontario, Maureen Adamson, expressed concerns about the impact of these budget cuts on Ontario’s education sector, noting that the industry has already faced substantial cuts, program suspensions, and job eliminations totaling $1.8 billion, 600 programs, and 8,000 positions respectively. Ontario colleges have heavily relied on international student tuition to compensate for frozen domestic tuition fees and historical underfunding by the provincial government, especially for costly programs like trades and healthcare.
Following the previous federal policy changes in fall 2024, which restricted work and study permits for international students, many colleges in Ontario have already started cutting programs earlier this year. Minister of Finance and National Revenue Francois-Philippe Champagne defended the government’s decision to reduce the international student cap, emphasizing the need to maintain sustainable immigration levels to ensure adequate housing, education, and healthcare services for newcomers.
Consultants at Higher Education Strategy Associates analyzed the budget and noted that Canada did not even reach 150,000 international student admissions in the current year due to a decline in interest from abroad. The new lower targets for the upcoming years suggest that institutions cannot rely on a quick recovery in international student enrollments. This situation may force colleges to make more significant and long-term cuts to cope with the financial implications.
Despite efforts by some colleges to influence visa and work programs, the government’s stance remains unchanged. Ontario’s colleges, which already spend significantly less than the national average, are projected to continue facing financial challenges. The statement from Ontario’s minister for colleges and universities acknowledges the federal government’s decision and highlights the ongoing impact on post-secondary institutions across the country, necessitating difficult decisions for their sustainability and success.