Assiniboine College Faces 70% Drop in International Enrolment

New international student enrolment at Assiniboine College is anticipated to decline by as much as 70% this fall, a significant drop attributed to changes in federal policy over the past 18 months. Administrators at the college have expressed concerns that these shifts will not only affect financial stability but also the diversity and vibrancy of campus life.

Danielle Adriaansen, the college’s vice-president for enrolment, explained that the expected decrease translates to roughly 425 students last fall, down to around 125 this year. She noted that while the college anticipates a few more international students to join in October and November with the start of additional programs, the overall trend is alarming.

Impact on Campus and Community

Adriaansen emphasized the broader implications of this decline. “International students are a crucial part of the academic and social fabric of our programs,” she stated. “They foster global citizenship among our graduates and play a vital role in meeting labour market needs in sectors like healthcare and agriculture.”

The challenges contributing to this decline include extended processing times for study permits and higher refusal rates. Adriaansen pointed out that these factors will lead to fewer international students entering programs this year. Historically, strong international enrolment has enabled the college to expand program offerings and create new opportunities for domestic students, a trend that may be jeopardized if enrolment remains low.

While international enrolment is in decline, domestic student enrolment at Assiniboine College is on the rise, with new Canadian students increasing by as much as 10% compared to last year. Adriaansen reported an increase of 100 students during the first week of September compared to the same period last year.

Challenges for International Students

For many international students, the situation is challenging. Jobanprit Kaur from India highlighted the difficulties of finding accommodation, stating, “It is very challenging for me to find accommodation because I am the only one here. I also need to find a job, but it is very difficult.” Similarly, Jude Eigbobogh, a student from Nigeria, expressed frustration over the housing search process, describing it as “very stressful.”

At Brandon University, enrolment figures present a slightly different picture. While final numbers are still being confirmed, approximately 850 new students have registered this fall, indicating an 8% increase from last year. However, international student numbers at Brandon University are also declining, as noted by Tosin Salau, the university’s international student representative. “Since last year, each orientation has been smaller. This fall’s orientation saw only about five to ten international students,” he reported.

Housing remains a significant concern for students at both institutions. Sheriffudeen Sadip, a computer science student from Nigeria, confirmed the struggle to secure accommodation, stating, “It’s difficult finding accommodation. I’ve been here a year, and I still don’t have a place sorted.”

To address these issues, Salau mentioned that the student union is actively seeking partnerships with rental housing companies to reserve units for international students. “Some come without having accommodation sorted and end up paying for hotels or Airbnbs, which is very expensive,” he explained.

As international students continue to arrive, their immediate challenges extend beyond academic considerations. They must navigate a new environment while attempting to find housing and part-time work, all while adjusting to life far from home. Kaur underscored the need for support, stating, “If we are facing any trouble, there should be someone we can talk to. Because we don’t have anyone here who can relate to us.”

The situation at both institutions reflects broader trends affecting international student enrolment across Canada, raising questions about the future of educational diversity and support for students from abroad.