Centennial College Halts 49 Programs Amid Drop in International Enrollments
Centennial College Suspends 49 Programs Amid Decline in International Enrollment
Toronto’s Centennial College has announced the suspension of 49 programs, a significant reduction of approximately 28% from its previous total of 177 programs. The decision comes as the institution grapples with the impact of the federal government’s cap on international study permits.
In a statement on the college’s website, the suspended programs were listed, encompassing fields such as fashion business and management, tourism, construction project management, journalism, and advanced television and film. Current students enrolled in these programs will still have the opportunity to complete their studies and graduate.
College President Craig Stephenson addressed the changes in a letter to staff on Tuesday, emphasizing the challenging financial situation. He revealed that the college anticipates a 43% drop in new international student enrollment between the summer of 2024 and winter of 2025, amounting to nearly 5,000 fewer students.
“That figure just needs absorbing for a moment—43%,” Stephenson wrote. “This represents nearly half our previous international student intake. When combined with ongoing domestic funding challenges, the financial impact significantly affects our ability to sustain programs at current levels.”
The federal government’s crackdown on international study permits has posed financial challenges for colleges across Canada. In 2024, the government aims to reduce new student visas by more than a third, setting a target of 485,000 permits, down from previous levels. By 2025 and 2026, the goal is to further cut the number to 437,000 permits. Ontario’s colleges are expected to bear the brunt of this decline, with the provincial government projecting a $3.1 billion loss in revenue over two years due to reduced international enrollment.
Stephenson clarified in his letter that program suspensions do not necessarily indicate permanent closures. Suspended programs will undergo further review, and some may be reintroduced or modified in response to changes in federal policy and student demand.
Centennial College joins a growing list of post-secondary institutions facing financial strain due to reduced international student enrollment, highlighting the broader challenges of balancing financial stability with evolving government policies.
