Cambrian College Suspends 6 Programs Amid International Student Cap

UPDATE: Cambrian College in Sudbury has just announced the suspension of six programs due to the federal government’s cap on international student study permits. This urgent change comes as the college grapples with a staggering 35% reduction in study permits implemented in 2024, significantly impacting its enrollment numbers.

The college currently has 1,400 international students enrolled, a sharp decline from 2,600 last fall. Dan Lessard, the college’s manager of communications, confirmed the situation, stating, “There’s been a significant drop.” The recent federal budget further reinforces this trend, introducing an additional 10% reduction in study permits.

This announcement follows the suspension of 10 programs earlier in the year, all reliant on international student enrollments. The newly affected programs include graduate degrees in Data Analytics, Marketing Management, and Supply Chain Management, along with Fitness and Health Promotions, Corporate Safety and Security, and Community and Justice Services.

“Those programs have been removed from the federal government’s list of programs eligible for post-graduate work permits,” Lessard explained, highlighting the impact on future students. However, he reassured current students that they will still graduate with full credentials.

The decision to suspend these programs has immediate consequences for six faculty members, who are currently being supported by the college as they navigate this transition. Lessard emphasized that the college is working with the unions to retain these faculty members.

This federal cap drastically alters Cambrian College’s approach to attracting international students. “We will be emphasizing that Canada has a world-class education system,” Lessard stated, reinforcing the country’s appeal for education, regardless of students’ intentions to stay permanently.

Despite these suspensions, Cambrian College is preparing to make a new announcement regarding additional courses that will be introduced soon, based on market demand. Details remain under wraps, but the college is adapting to the changing educational landscape.

As Cambrian College works to navigate these challenges, the impact on students, faculty, and the local community is profound. The college community is urged to stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.

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