International Student Enrollment at Assiniboine College Plummets

New international student enrolment at Assiniboine College is expected to decline by as much as 70 percent this fall, primarily due to recent federal policy changes. Administrators attribute this significant drop to longer processing times for study permit applications and an increase in refusal rates, which have hindered potential students from entering Canada. The college anticipates only around 125 new international students this year, down from 425 last fall.

The college’s vice-president for enrolment, Danielle Adriaansen, outlined the implications of this decline. “International students are a vital part of our academic and social fabric,” she stated. “Their presence fosters global citizenship among all our graduates and aids in meeting the labour market needs in sectors such as health care and agriculture.” The decrease in enrolment not only affects the college’s financial outlook but also threatens to limit program offerings and campus diversity.

Adriaansen highlighted that, historically, robust international enrolment has allowed for the expansion of certain programs. With the current drop, the college may struggle to maintain the same level of offerings for domestic students. “If international enrolment stays low, we may not be able to create new spaces for Canadian students,” she added.

Despite the challenges in attracting international students, the college is witnessing a rise in domestic enrolment, with new Canadian students increasing by as much as 10 percent compared to the previous year. “As of the first week of September, enrolment is up by 100 students compared to this time last year,” Adriaansen confirmed.

Challenges extend beyond enrolment numbers, impacting the student experience. Jobanprit Kaur, an international student from India, expressed her struggles with finding accommodation. “I am the only one here, and it is very challenging to find a place to live,” she said. Similarly, Jude Eigbobogh, a student from Nigeria, noted that securing housing has been a stressful endeavor.

At Brandon University, the situation presents a different picture. Although the total number of new students has risen to about 850, representing an 8 percent increase from last year, the international student demographic shows signs of decline. Tosin Salau, an international student representative, mentioned a noticeable decrease in the number of international students attending orientation events. “Each year, the number keeps going down,” he remarked, expressing concern that soon only a handful of international students may attend these events.

Housing remains a significant concern for incoming international students at Brandon University as well. Sheriffudeen Sadip, a computer science student, shared his ongoing struggle to secure suitable accommodation. “I’ve been here a year, and I still don’t have a place sorted,” he stated.

The student union at Brandon University is actively seeking solutions, including partnerships with rental housing companies to reserve units specifically for international students. Salau explained, “Some students arrive without accommodation sorted and end up paying for hotels or Airbnbs, which is very expensive.”

As international students navigate these challenges, they often find themselves isolated. Kaur emphasized the need for support systems, saying, “If we are facing any trouble, there should be someone we can talk to. We don’t have anyone here who can relate to us.”

The shifting landscape of international student enrolment at both Assiniboine College and Brandon University reflects broader challenges facing educational institutions in attracting and supporting students from around the world. The long-term impacts of declining numbers could affect not only the institutions but also the local communities that benefit from the diversity and skills these students bring.