Brandon University Sees Urgent 23% Drop in International Students

UPDATE: Brandon University has reported a staggering 23% drop in international student enrollment for the fall semester, according to preliminary figures released on September 1, 2023. This significant decline raises concerns about the future of the university’s diverse student body and local community support.

International student numbers are plummeting, with 321 students enrolled this year compared to 421 last year, a loss of about 100 students. The decline is attributed to larger cohorts graduating and fewer graduate-level international students enrolling, as confirmed by university spokesperson Grant Hamilton. “A decline was expected and part of our planning,” Hamilton stated.

The implications of this trend are profound, particularly as Assiniboine Community College is also forecasting a decline in international enrollment by as much as 70%. This sharp drop is linked to recent federal policy changes that have impacted student visas and permits. René Cable, Manitoba’s Advanced Education Minister, criticized these changes, describing them as a “blunt instrument” that fails to address regional needs. She expressed deep concern over the loss of international students, who contribute significantly to the local workforce and community ties.

Despite the alarming decrease in international enrollments, BU is witnessing a surge in Indigenous student numbers, with an impressive 14% increase bringing the total to 529 students. First-time Indigenous enrollments have skyrocketed by nearly 24%, totaling 145 students, highlighting a positive development amidst the overall decline.

Hamilton emphasized this growth aligns with the university’s vision of being “Canada’s finest regional university.” He noted that Indigenous students now represent nearly 17% of the total student population, with almost one in five new students identifying as Indigenous.

Local enrollment is also on the rise, with 403 new students from Brandon this year, compared to 351 in 2023 and 330 in 2022. These encouraging figures demonstrate ongoing interest in the university from the local community, even as international student numbers dwindle.

Officials are awaiting final enrollment numbers, which will be confirmed in November after accounting for late registrations and course changes. Hamilton stated, “There are always variances as late-coming students arrive and register, or as others choose a different path than BU and leave.”

Looking ahead, Minister Cable assured that the province would continue to advocate for international students. “While doing what we can to support encouraging more international students to consider Manitoba, I know that every institution is doing what they can to ensure that they’re providing a welcoming environment for them,” she remarked.

The situation remains fluid as institutions adapt to changing policies and student needs. For now, Brandon University is navigating a critical moment that could reshape its international outreach and community engagement for years to come.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.