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Ontario’s postsecondary education system is struggling with a funding crisis worsened by the federal government’s recent decision to cap international student enrollment.
These measures, aimed at alleviating housing and community challenges, have sparked widespread concern about their broader implications for students and institutions across the province.
Ontario Student Voices (OSV), a student-led advocacy group representing 125,000 college and polytechnic students, cautions that the enrollment caps could destabilize the postsecondary system.
Colleges, heavily reliant on international student tuition to bridge funding gaps, are already contending with service reductions, program closures, and staff layoffs.
A 2021 report by Ontario’s Auditor General highlighted international students’ critical role, noting they contribute approximately 68% of college tuition revenue—around $1.7 billion CAD. With enrollment caps and stricter financial requirements for international students, this essential revenue source is now under threat.
In a chat with NRTC Correspondent, Olami Ogunnote, Director of Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships at OSV, expressed concerns about the federal government’s decision: “The government can make as many decisions as they want, but to do that without ample consultation with the stakeholders involved risks making decisions that aren’t reflective of what’s actually going to make us successful in the long run.”
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Ogunnote pointed out that the ripple effects of reduced international enrollment extend beyond Ontario, affecting provinces across Canada.
For many students already enrolled, the sudden implementation of these policies has created uncertainty about their ability to complete their studies, remain in the country, and contribute to the workforce.
“Prospective students that I’ve spoken to from places like Nigeria and abroad, they’re worried about why would they choose to come to Canada if all these changes that are being made will make it less likely for me to succeed, but also, if I do decide to end up coming to Canada, how much changes more are we going to end up to see that’s going to affect what I planned to have here versus what I’m going to end up having in 2 years when I’m done with my education. ” Ogunnote explained. “Also, the international students that we spoke to over here, a lot of them are worried about if the government can just wake up one day and decide to make all these changes, what’s going to happen next year? Or the year after?”
Ogunnote added that trust in Canadian institutions is fading away. “So, what we’ve started to see is that the trust in our institutions and the trust in the postsecondary system here is starting to go down as a result of these changes. For the students that are here right now, they’re extremely worried about their ability to survive and stay in Ontario, stay in Canada at the time when we need these students to come to Canada, not just for diversity purposes but also, the entire economy depends more heavily on having more skilled workers and these international students are filling clinical roles in this economy. Roles like PSW programs, Nursing programs…international students are filling these roles as well.”
“We’re not sure where the changes are going to end. For us, it’s a scary place to be and we’re quite worried about what comes next for the sector.,” he added.
OSV is advocating for a more sustainable funding model and increased dialogue with key stakeholders, including students, institutions, and provincial governments.
The student-led advocacy group stresses the need to address the unintended consequences of these caps to preserve trust in Canada’s postsecondary education system and ensure equitable opportunities for all students.
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