Ontario colleges slash 10,000 jobs amid enrolment downturn

• Nearly 10,000 college jobs cut due to falling international enrolment
• Over 600 programs suspended or cancelled across Ontario colleges
• Drop in Indian student admissions raises global education concerns

In one of the most significant mass layoffs in Ontario's education system, almost 10,000 college faculty and staff roles have been removed or are scheduled for cuts due to an escalating crisis in funding and student enrollment.

A report from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) states that the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), representing approximately 55,000 faculty and support staff, has alerted that the college system in the province is in significant distress, highlighting extensive programme cancellations and staff reductions.

The main catalyst for these changes is a significant decline in the number of international students enrolling in colleges throughout Ontario.

After the federal government chose to limit international study permits, post-secondary schools in the province experienced a 48% drop in first-semester admissions of international students from September 2023 to September 2024, according to the Canadian national public broadcaster. This has significantly affected tuition income, which universities depend on greatly.

A faculty contract document referenced by CBC indicated that 23 of 24 publicly funded colleges experienced considerable enrolment declines, and 19 colleges acknowledged staff layoffs or intentions for reductions, leading to over 8,000 job losses by June 2025. Certain institutions had not submitted their data, indicating that the total figure might increase to close to 10,000.

The impact has been experienced in academic programs as well. Over 600 college classes have been either suspended or completely cancelled. Although numerous international students favored these programs, domestic programs have also been impacted.

OPSEU states that crucial training areas like nursing, child and youth care, environmental technologies, and arts programs have experienced funding reductions.

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This is especially concerning for Indian and other international students who frequently join these skill-focused programs as a route to work and eventual permanent residency in Canada.

The CBC report mentioned that OPSEU charged the Ontario government and college administrations with keeping the public in the dark about the scale of the crisis. They cautioned about lasting effects, pointing out that Ontario’s colleges are essential for job training and workforce advancement.

The College Employer Council (CEC), which represents college management, also justified its actions, claiming that OPSEU had been made aware of the possible seriousness of the issue since January 2024. It verified that around 10,000 job cuts represent a 17% decrease in personnel; a number it stated is still less than the 45% drop in student enrollment.

For potential students from India and other regions, the circumstances present significant worries. A decrease in faculty count and program shutdowns might result in fewer course options, increased class sizes, and less learning assistance, all of which are important factors when selecting an international study destination.