Prime Highlights:
Centennial College suspends 49 programs due to the federal cap on international students and provincial funding shortfalls.
Affected programs include financial planning, technology foundations, journalism, and community development.
Current students in suspended programs will be able to graduate as planned, while faculty and staff reductions are expected.
Key Background:
Centennial College, a prominent post-secondary institution in Toronto, has become the latest Ontario college to implement significant program cuts in response to the federal cap on international students. The restrictions, coupled with a shortfall in provincial funding, have prompted colleges and universities across Canada to reassess their financial sustainability.
The college announced it would suspend enrolment in 49 full-time programs set to accept new students in the 2025 summer and fall semesters, as well as the 2026 winter semester. Among the affected programs are financial planning, technology foundations, journalism, and community development. However, students currently enrolled in these programs will be able to complete their studies and graduate as planned. Centennial’s president and CEO, Craig Stephenson, expressed the institution’s commitment to supporting its existing students while navigating these necessary changes.
“We are doing what we must to position the college for long-term sustainability,” said Stephenson. “This will allow us to continue producing job-ready graduates aligned with labour market needs and serve our communities effectively.” He also acknowledged the challenging impact on the college’s staff, noting that faculty and staff reductions would be inevitable as a result of the program suspensions.
The cap on international student admissions, imposed nearly a year ago, has led to a significant decline in enrolment and, consequently, a financial strain on institutions that have relied on international student fees. Centennial College joins other Ontario institutions, including Algonquin College, Sheridan College, and Seneca College, which have recently made similar cuts and closures. These actions reflect a broader trend across the province, where Ontario colleges have reported nearly a 50% drop in international student admissions and a $752-million reduction in operating budgets. Despite these challenges, the Ontario government remains confident in the resilience of its post-secondary institutions and their ability to adapt to shifting enrolment patterns while continuing to meet the province’s labour market needs.