Holland College in Prince Edward Island Cuts Programs in Response to Federal Cap on International Student Permits
Holland College, a prominent post-secondary institution in Prince Edward Island, has announced a series of program cuts and staffing reductions, attributing the move to the federal government’s recently imposed cap on international student study permits.
The decision follows a nationwide policy shift implemented by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which introduced a two-year cap to reduce the number of new international students coming to Canada. The government says the cap is intended to address housing shortages and education quality concerns, but it’s already having ripple effects across the country’s smaller institutions — including Holland College.
In a statement issued by the college’s administration, officials said the policy change has significantly impacted enrollment projections for the upcoming academic year, leading to the difficult but necessary decision to cut costs.
“The federal cap has resulted in a drastic reduction in the number of international students we are permitted to accept,” the college said. “This has forced us to re-evaluate our programming and make tough decisions to ensure financial sustainability.”
As part of the restructuring, Holland College will suspend or consolidate several programs beginning this fall. Although the institution did not specify which programs are being affected, sources within the college confirmed that areas with lower domestic enrollment and higher international dependence are the most vulnerable.
The move is expected to result in layoffs among faculty and administrative staff, though the college has not released exact figures. Holland College’s leadership emphasized that they are committed to supporting affected employees and students through the transition.
The federal cap, announced earlier this year, aims to reduce new international study permit approvals by approximately 35% over two years, with provinces and territories assigned individual quotas. Smaller provinces like P.E.I., which have leaned heavily on international student enrollment to boost institutional revenue, are feeling the effects most acutely.
In recent years, international students have represented a significant portion of Holland College’s student body, contributing not just to the school’s finances but also to the broader P.E.I. economy. With fewer international students permitted to study in Canada under the new rules, colleges and universities across the country are scrambling to adjust their recruitment strategies and balance their budgets.
Holland College has indicated it will continue working with provincial and federal partners to advocate for a more flexible approach that considers the unique needs of smaller institutions and rural regions.
“We remain committed to offering high-quality, accessible education,” the college stated. “But we also need sustainable policies that allow us to plan effectively and support our community.”
The announcement underscores the growing tension between immigration policy and higher education, as institutions grapple with declining revenues, uncertain enrollment figures, and evolving government mandates.
As colleges across Canada confront similar challenges, Holland College’s decision may signal the beginning of broader adjustments within the post-secondary landscape.
Source : Swifteradio.com
