Okanagan College Faces 30% Drop in International Enrolment

Okanagan College has reported a significant decline in international student enrolment, with numbers dropping by 30 percent this year. President Neil Fassina addressed the situation during a council meeting in Kelowna on September 29, 2023, expressing confidence in the institution’s long-term strategy for growth and financial stability. The loss of nearly 700 international students has raised concerns about the financial impact, as international tuition represents a crucial revenue source for the college.

Fassina acknowledged the challenges posed by this decline, stating, “With decreases in international students last year, this year, and, I am anticipating, next year, we are regrettably contracting our organization.” He emphasized the need for the college to adapt its size to align with the current student population, projecting that a new normal is expected to emerge by the fall of 2027. Despite these immediate setbacks, he remains optimistic about Okanagan College’s future, which he described as centered around growth and financial stability.

The current enrolment demographic indicates that 88 percent of students at Okanagan College are domestic, marking a 1 percent increase from the previous year. Fassina highlighted the province’s Labour Market Outlook, which forecasts 121,900 job openings in the Thompson-Okanagan region over the next decade, many of which will require post-secondary credentials. He stated, “We want people to understand how important a college education is, so that the college can be the education of first choice.”

Strengthening Okanagan College’s Profile

In addition to addressing enrolment issues, Fassina outlined several initiatives aimed at enhancing the college’s visibility and reputation. Okanagan College has partnered with the cities of Kelowna, West Kelowna, and the Westbank First Nation to pursue recognition from UNESCO as part of the Creative Cities Alliance, specifically aiming for the title of Canada’s City of Gastronomy.

On the infrastructure front, the college is actively engaged in two major construction projects. The Don Folk and Family Recreation and Wellness Centre is set to open in summer 2026, while the $55.8 million Centre for Food, Wine and Tourism is scheduled for completion in summer 2027. These projects are expected to enhance the college’s offerings and support its long-term objectives.

As Okanagan College navigates these challenges, the commitment to maintaining a focus on education quality and community partnerships remains paramount. Through strategic planning and proactive initiatives, the institution aims to emerge from this period of contraction and position itself for future growth and stability in an evolving educational landscape.