B.C. Schools Face Major Layoffs as International Enrollment Drops

Post-secondary institutions across British Columbia are grappling with significant layoffs as government policies lead to a decrease in international student enrollment. Faculty associations warn that this situation could undermine the quality of education in the province, describing it as a critical crisis for the sector.

As of now, schools like Langara College and Kwantlen Polytechnic University have announced multiple staff cuts. This trend follows a federal government decision in January 2024 to reduce the number of international student permits issued by 35 percent over two years. The policy aims to alleviate housing shortages and curb abuses within the international student system.

Faculty Voices Concerns

Frank Cosco, president of the faculty association at Vancouver Community College (VCC), emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “It’s the biggest crisis in post-secondary ever.” He highlighted the frustration among faculty regarding the lack of recognition for the issue and questioned how institutions would replace the lost revenue from international students.

VCC is expected to cut more than two dozen positions by the beginning of 2026. While the college has not confirmed specific details, it acknowledged ongoing negotiations with staff. In an internal memo, Kwantlen Polytechnic University announced plans to eliminate around 45 positions by March 2026, in addition to having already removed 20 vacant positions. Notices were also issued to eight instructors within its Melville School of Business, a program highly regarded by international students.

Impact of Enrollment Caps

Langara College recently confirmed the elimination of 69 positions due to a loss of 2,400 international students compared to the previous fall. Dr. Paula Burns, president and CEO of Langara, remarked, “To adjust to lower enrollment, we’ve had no choice but to move forward with the difficult process of reducing our total employees.” She acknowledged the emotional toll these decisions take on the community.

The situation has been exacerbated by new provincial regulations implemented in July 2024, which capped the number of international students at public post-secondary institutions to 30 percent of total enrollment. The provincial government introduced guidelines to enforce this cap, with a commitment to monitor compliance closely. Faculty associations argue that while reforms may be necessary, they should not come at the expense of educational institutions, which have been encouraged by past government policies to attract international students to bolster their finances.

Jessie Sunner, B.C.’s minister of post-secondary education and future skills, acknowledged the financial pressures facing institutions, attributing them to various factors beyond their control. She stated that her ministry is in close contact with schools like KPU and is working on strategies to help them regain financial stability.

The layoffs are having a direct impact on students. Cole Reinbold from the B.C. Federation of Students noted that many students have had to postpone their graduation due to limited course offerings, resulting in significant increases in the overall cost of obtaining a degree. “I have many friends who have had to delay their graduation by one year or two years because of restricted course offerings,” she explained, highlighting the broader implications of the current crisis.

As B.C. navigates these tumultuous changes, the future of its post-secondary education landscape remains uncertain. The combined effects of reduced enrollment, financial instability, and staff layoffs present formidable challenges for both institutions and their students.