The High Cost of Immigration Change: Ontario Programs on the Chopping Block

With elections around the corner, we have seen unexpected changes in Canada’s immigration policies. The Canadian Government cut study permit rates for international students on January 22, 2024, by 30 per cent compared to 2023. In 2025, they aim to reduce the study permits by a further 10 per cent, which means only 437,000 study permits for undergraduate courses will be approved. For now, this number is expected to remain the same in 2026.

These changes have impacted the post-secondary education sector enormously, prompting colleges to suspend programs due to declining international enrolment rate. The central government’s aim to reduce labour shortage, cut housing challenges and reduce student visas have birthed significant challenges for institutions in Ontario that heavily rely on international capital.

The suspensions have a direct effect not only on the colleges but also on the broader labour market. Many affected programs were designed to align with labour market needs, providing graduates with skills in high-demand fields such as technology, health care, and media. Reducing program offerings could exacerbate skills shortages in these areas, particularly as Canada continues to face demographic challenges and an ageing workforce.

Colleges across the province have announced the suspension of various programs, stating that decreasing enrolment directly results from policy changes. This shift has predominantly impacted hundreds of graduate certificates and similar post-secondary programs, which are popular among international students. Previously, colleges relied heavily on international students for their financial and strategic plans.

What’s happening?

Centennial College, one of the biggest colleges in Ontario, is planning to suspend over 49 programs in their latest cut for the academic year 2025-26. These suspended programs include 16 programs from its business school, 14 from its media school and seven from its engineering school. The college predicts that the enrolment will decline by 43 per cent in the 2025-26 academic year compared with the academic year 2023-24.

Humber College also dismissed a few programs in their media school due to lower enrolment rates. In 2024, the college discontinued its one-year graduate certificate program in journalism, television writing and producing.

Sudbury’s Cambrian College also published its updated program list on its official website amid this fire and listed many programs as “Currently unavailable for international students.”

Fleming College in Peterborough also released a statement about suspending 30 programs in Fall of 2024.

Earlier, Seneca Polytechnic announced the closure of its Markham campus to combat the financial challenges caused by the cap on international students. “It’s basically because we are losing international students,” said Seneca’s president, David Agnew.

In November 2024, Hamilton’s Mohawk College cut 20 per cent of administrative jobs, which roughly means 200 to 400 layoffs and 65 administrative positions were eliminated to keep with the financial fiasco. This included a $50 million budget downfall in the fiscal year 2025-26. The college also suspended programs such as Public Relations, Broadcasting – Radio and Creative, Broadcasting – Television and Media Communications, Pre-Media, Project Management and many more in health care administration and business.

How is it connected?

The immigration policy changes focus on limiting the number of study permits issued to international students, a move the federal government says is intended to ease pressure on Canada’s housing market. With international students often facing challenges securing affordable housing, this measure is part of a broader effort to address housing availability nationwide. However, the unintended consequences for colleges have been swift and far-reaching.

The impact of these changes remains uncertain for domestic students. While the suspensions primarily target programs with low enrolment, including those heavily reliant on international students, the broader financial implications for colleges could affect resources available for other programs and services. Some colleges have also indicated that faculty and staff positions may be at risk due to the program cuts, adding to the challenges faced by the education sector.

The policy changes have sparked debate about the balance between addressing housing shortages and supporting Canada’s education system. Critics argue that international students play a vital role in the economy, not only through tuition fees but also by contributing to the workforce and local communities. The decline in international enrolment raises questions about the long-term sustainability of funding models for post-secondary institutions and the broader economic impact of reduced international student participation.

What’s next?

In response to the challenges, some colleges are exploring alternative strategies to attract and retain students. These include expanding online and hybrid learning options, strengthening partnerships with industry, and increasing outreach efforts to domestic and international markets. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen, particularly as the sector continues to navigate the uncertainties posed by the new immigration policies.

The suspension of programs highlights the interconnectedness of immigration, education, and housing policies in Canada. While the federal government aims to address housing challenges, the effects on the education sector underscore the need for a coordinated approach to policymaking. As Ontario’s colleges adjust to the new reality, the coming years will be critical in shaping the future of post-secondary education and its role in supporting Canada’s economic and social goals.

P.S. Since the original time of writing this article, two more Ontario colleges announced program cuts: Loyalist College in Belleville suspended about 30 per cent of its offerings, including its Public Relations – Event Management graduate certificate and St. Lawrence College in Kingston also suspended 55 programs.