Centennial College in Toronto has announced a significant suspension of programs in response to the federal government's recent cap on international study permits.

This decision affects 49 programs, which equates to a reduction of approximately 28 percent from the college's previous offering of 177 programs. The suspended programs span a variety of fields, including fashion business and management, tourism, construction project management, journalism, and advanced television and film. Importantly, current students enrolled in these programs will still have the opportunity to complete their studies and graduate.

In a letter addressed to staff, College President Craig Stephenson conveyed the gravity of the situation. He indicated that the college is bracing for a dramatic decline in new international student enrollments, projecting a staggering 43 percent drop from the summer of 2024 through the winter of 2025. This translates to nearly 5,000 fewer new international students, a figure that Stephenson emphasized requires serious consideration. He explained that this decline not only threatens the financial stability of the college but also jeopardizes the viability of its program offerings, as the demand to sustain these programs at their current levels, even with interest from domestic students, is no longer feasible.

Centennial College is not alone in facing these challenges; it is part of a broader trend among post-secondary institutions grappling with the federal government's stringent regulations on international study permits. The government's initiative aims to reduce the number of new student visas by more than a third in 2024, with a planned target of issuing 485,000 permits, followed by a further reduction to 437,000 permits in 2025 and 2026. The provincial government is responsible for determining how these permits are allocated among colleges and universities, and it has already indicated that colleges will experience the most significant decreases in international student numbers.

The financial implications of these changes are profound. According to the Ford government's 2024 budget, Ontario's colleges are projected to lose approximately $3.1 billion in revenue over the next two years due to the anticipated drop in international student enrollment. This situation raises concerns about potential job cuts and the sustainability of student programs, as educational institutions warn of hundreds of millions of dollars in losses if government funding does not increase.

Stephenson clarified that the suspension of programs does not equate to permanent closure. He stated that while programs are on hold, they will be subject to further review during this suspension period. Some programs may eventually be reintroduced or modified, but others may face the possibility of permanent closure, depending on the evolving landscape of federal policies and student demand. This ongoing assessment reflects the college's commitment to adapting to the changing educational environment while navigating the significant challenges posed by the current situation.

Source: CBC.ca