Toronto College Abruptly Shuts Down, Leaving Students in Crisis

UPDATE: A private college in Toronto has abruptly closed its doors, leaving students in turmoil and thousands of dollars in debt. Miami Ad School Toronto, which promised hands-on experience and industry connections, shut down without delivering on its commitments, affecting students who had invested over $40,000 in tuition and expenses.

Current students report feeling misled and abandoned after the institution failed to provide functioning facilities or promised internships. The shocking closure was confirmed on March 14, 2024, leaving a group of nine students struggling to navigate their futures. Many had relocated from abroad, enticed by the college’s reputation for excellence, which included accolades from the prestigious Cannes Lions festival.

“We trusted the school and whatever information they gave us before we came here, but we did not get the education we expected or paid for,” said Isa Romero, a 27-year-old graphic designer from the Philippines. The turmoil began as students arrived in Toronto, only to find the college had moved from its original location in the Burroughes Building to a significantly smaller co-working space in Liberty Village.

Despite the college’s claims of providing a supportive educational environment, students faced poor communication and inadequate onboarding. Some international students were left without necessary private health insurance, leading to unexpected medical expenses. The situation deteriorated further when instructors expressed frustration over management, with rumors of closure circulating among students as early as January.

On February 2024, students were informed that the college would cease operations, but assurances to help them transfer to other schools were not fulfilled. Instead, they were left to fend for themselves, many now considering local public colleges as alternatives but facing the burden of starting over.

Muneet Dhaliwal, co-founder of the Toronto campus, attributed the closure to “broader industry conditions” and pledged to resolve outstanding issues transparently. However, students report that efforts to obtain refunds have been met with resistance. They are now demanding a full tuition reimbursement, claiming the college did not uphold its obligations and failed to protect their rights.

Formal complaints have been submitted to the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities, which is currently reviewing the cases. A ministry statement emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards in post-secondary education, as there are currently 596 registered career colleges in Ontario.

As this developing story unfolds, former students express their disappointment at what they perceive as a betrayal. “It’s really a shame. I was really impressed with what the students were doing,” said one anonymous instructor, highlighting the disconnect between management and the student body.

With many students now facing financial and emotional turmoil, their dreams of a career in advertising are hanging by a thread. The urgency for resolution grows as they seek to reclaim their educational investments and rebuild their futures.