Centennial College suspends 49 programs amid international student decline

One of the largest colleges in Ontario, Centennial College, has announced suspending 49 full-time programs for the academic year 2025-26. This decision follows the Canadian federal government's reduced number of international student permits issued. Among the affected programs, 16 belong to the business school, 14 to the media school, and 7 to the engineering school. However, students currently enrolled in these programs will not be impacted and can still complete their degrees.

In light of the new immigration policies, which have resulted in a drastic decline in enrolment figures, Centennial College's president and CEO, Craig Stephenson, explained that the institution is responding to these changes, which have severely affected the college’s financial health. He noted that the college expects a 43 percent decrease in new international enrolments this academic year, amounting to a loss of approximately 5,000 international students compared to the previous academic year.

Broader Impact on Ontario’s Institutions

Stephenson communicated that the changes stem from a thorough review of existing programs in response to the modifications in federal immigration policy, which have profound implications for enrollment and finances. He indicated that job reductions are regrettably "unavoidable" as part of the institution’s adjustments to ensure long-term sustainability.

The announcement is consistent with trends across Canadian colleges and universities, which are facing similar program and staffing cuts in response to the federal government's initiative to reduce the number of international student permits. This initiative will reduce the number of international study permits by approximately 300,000 over the coming years.

Other Ontario colleges, such as Algonquin and Sheridan, have also announced program cuts and financial difficulties. Algonquin College's president, Claude Brulé, outlined dire financial forecasts, stating that if corrective measures are not enacted, there could be substantial revenue losses in the coming fiscal years. Sheridan College suspended 40 programs in various disciplines, yet current students will have the opportunity to graduate.

Due to these challenges, Ontario's colleges have increasingly relied on international students since the province implemented a tuition fee freeze for domestic students in 2019. Although the government pledged additional funding, many institutions face significant financial shortfalls.