Cuts increase at Ont. colleges, Fanshawe’s long-term viability under review

Exterior image of an entrance to Fanshawe College, featuring a large Fanshawe sign and logo. CREDIT: GRACIA ESPINOSA
The impact of the international student cap on Fanshawe College are still unclear, despite increasing news of cuts, closures, and lay-offs at other Ontario colleges.

As news of cuts and lay-offs at other Ontario colleges grows, the impact of the international student cap on Fanshawe College remains to be fully seen.

A slew of changes from the federal government on everything from the number of international students permitted in the country to which college and university programs are eligible for Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWP) have left post-secondary institutions scrambling to adjust for the anticipated loss of revenue.

Hamilton’s Mohawk College cut 20 per cent of administrative staff and suspended 16 programs in December, following a projected $50-million budget deficit in the 2025-2026 fiscal year due to a drop in international students. The college said in late November that it plans to cut 200 to 400 jobs.

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Meanwhile, Centennial College, located in Toronto, announced it was cutting several of its programs, with the majority of the cuts hitting the college’s Business School, and its School of Communications, Media, Arts and Design. Another Toronto college, Seneca Polytechnic, said in October it would temporarily close one of its campuses, citing the drop in international students.

Interrobang previously reported on confirmed program suspensions at Fanshawe’s downtown campus, specifically in the School of Tourism, Hospitality & Culinary Art (THCA). The decisions on which level one programs to suspend in the School of THCA were reportedly based on whether or not the program had a large international enrollment, as well as if the students enrolled were eligible for PGWPs. Domestic enrollment trends over the last five years were also reviewed.

Although suspensions in the School of THCA began as early as the winter semester, Fanshawe College has yet to make any formal announcement regarding any cuts, closures, or lay-offs.

According to a spokesperson for the College, a comprehensive review of the College’s “long-term sustainability” is ongoing.

“We’ve brought in an independent consulting firm–paid for by the province–to conduct an enterprise-wide review aimed at optimizing resources and strengthening our long-term sustainability,” said Kyle Rooks, Corporate Communications Officer for Fanshawe College. “The true impact to Fanshawe will not be known for a few months. We’re being deliberate and careful to ensure a thorough review. When we have a clear picture of the impacts we will be clearly and quickly communicating to our Fanshawe community.”

Fanshawe Student Union (FSU) President Siddharth Singh said both the college and the FSU are “making significant efforts to prioritize student experiences during these challenging times.”

“While we anticipate some necessary budget cuts, the FSU is actively advocating for our concerns with the provincial government through Ontario Student Voices (OSV), where the FSU holds observer status,” Singh said.

He added that one of the FSU’s key recommendations is to encourage the provincial government to consider increasing college operating grants by 10 per cent, with any future increments tied to the consumer price index (CPI).

“We are currently in the process of finalizing a policy paper to support this initiative, which should help ensure the financial sustainability of the college,” Singh said.