Canadian colleges, especially in Ontario, are witnessing mass layoffs—nearly 10,000 faculty, administrative, and support staff—as a direct result of a sharp drop in international student enrolment, primarily from India. The federal government’s cap on study permits, aimed at easing pressure on housing and services, has unintentionally crippled colleges heavily reliant on international tuition fees.
Ontario Colleges Hit Hard
Ontario’s 24 public colleges are particularly affected, where Indian students once made up over half of the international student population. Institutions have begun cutting back by cancelling programmes, scaling down course offerings, and terminating employment for both teaching and support staff.
Funding Gaps and Overdependence on Tuition Fees
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) warns that stagnant provincial funding has left colleges overly dependent on international fees to meet operational costs. With the sudden decline in Indian enrolments, this financial model has collapsed. OPSEU President JP Hornick called the situation “devastating,” urging emergency investment from both federal and provincial governments.
Private College Partnerships Under Scrutiny
The crisis has also spotlighted the partnerships between public colleges and private institutions, many of which aggressively recruited Indian students. With the federal cap in place, these private affiliates face operational paralysis. Critics are questioning the lack of oversight in these partnerships and the adequacy of academic standards and student support.
Wider Economic and Employment Fallout
The layoffs of nearly 10,000 workers mark one of the largest employment contractions in Canada’s education sector in recent years. The union continues to call for increased public investment to prevent further layoffs and programme shutdowns, warning that the long-term stability of the college system is at risk.
Looking Ahead
Without immediate government action to address the funding shortfall, Canada’s post-secondary institutions may face further destabilisation. The current crisis serves as a wake-up call to rethink international enrolment strategies, diversify revenue sources, and reinforce the sustainability of public education infrastructure.
