Study in Canada
Centennial College Suspends 49 Programs Amid Decline in International Student Enrolments
Centennial College, one of Ontario’s largest post-secondary institutions, has announced the suspension of 49 full-time programs for the 2025-26 academic year. This decision comes in response to a significant decline in international student enrolments following recent changes in federal immigration policies.
Programs Affected by the Suspension
The suspended programs span across multiple faculties, including:
- Business School: 16 programs
- Media School: 14 programs
- Engineering School: 7 programs
Despite these changes, students currently enrolled in these programs will be able to complete their studies without disruption.
Impact of Immigration Policy Changes
Centennial College anticipates a 43% drop in new international student enrolments for the current academic year, resulting in a loss of nearly 5,000 students compared to the 2023-24 intake. The reduction in student numbers is attributed to the federal government’s move to limit international study permits, with Ontario facing a significant cut in allocations.
The federal government initially set a cap of 485,000 permits for 2024 but has further reduced this target to 437,000 permits. As a result, the number of study permits issued over the next few years will see a decrease of approximately 300,000.
Financial Challenges and Institutional Response
Centennial College President and CEO, Craig Stephenson, emphasized that the institution is adjusting its academic offerings based on a comprehensive review of enrolment trends and financial sustainability.
We are adapting to federal immigration policy changes that have had significant implications for our enrolments and finances within the current provincial funding and policy context,” – Stephenson
The reduction in enrolments has placed a strain on the college’s financial position, making job cuts an inevitable outcome. However, the institution remains committed to offering 128 full-time programs and exploring the possibility of reinstating suspended programs in the future.
Broader Impact on Ontario Colleges
Centennial College is not alone in facing these challenges. Other Ontario institutions, such as Algonquin College and Sheridan College, have also announced program cuts and staff reductions due to declining international student numbers.
Recent Developments at Other Colleges:
- Algonquin College: Plans to close its Perth campus by August 2026 due to financial difficulties, projecting a $60 million deficit for 2025-26.
- Sheridan College: Suspended 40 programs, impacting applied science, technology, business, and animation faculties.
- Seneca Polytechnic: Temporarily shut down its Markham campus due to anticipated enrolment declines.
Future Outlook for Ontario’s Post-Secondary Sector
Ontario’s colleges have increasingly relied on international students for revenue, especially after the provincial government reduced domestic tuition fees by 10% in 2019 and subsequently froze them. While the province has introduced an additional $1.3 billion in funding for post-secondary institutions over three years, many colleges argue this amount falls short of their financial needs.
The ongoing financial strain highlights the need for diversified funding strategies and a more sustainable approach to managing enrolment trends in the evolving educational landscape.
The suspension of programs at Centennial College reflects the broader challenges faced by Ontario’s post-secondary institutions amid changing immigration policies. As the college continues to adapt, it remains focused on providing quality education while assessing future opportunities to restore affected programs and maintain financial stability.
