Centennial College in Toronto suspends programs due to international student cap and funding issues, impacting many students and staff.
Toronto: Centennial College is the latest school in Ontario to make some tough choices. They’re cutting back on programs because of a cap on international students set by the government.
This cap, along with some funding issues, has made it hard for colleges to keep things running smoothly. So, Centennial announced they’re suspending enrolment for 49 full-time programs starting in 2025.
Students already in these programs, like financial planning and journalism, will still get support until they graduate. Craig Stephenson, the college’s president, said they’re doing this to ensure the college can keep producing job-ready graduates.
He also mentioned that while they’re making these changes, it’s going to be tough on the community. Faculty and staff cuts are likely, which is never easy to deal with.
Despite the suspensions, 128 programs will still accept new students. There’s hope that some of the suspended programs might come back in the future.
It’s been almost a year since the international student cap was introduced, and many colleges are feeling the pinch. They’ve had to make big changes, and some are even shutting down campuses.
For example, Algonquin College is closing its campus in Perth by 2026, which has upset the local mayor. She emphasized how important education is for rural communities.
Other colleges, like Sheridan and Seneca, have also made cuts and suspensions due to declining enrolment. The province is trying to reassure everyone that they’re still committed to providing quality education.
They say they’re focused on helping Ontario students find good careers that meet the job market’s needs. It’s a tough time for many, but they’re hoping to find a balance moving forward.
