Kwantlen Polytechnic University Faces Layoffs Amid Enrollment Decline

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is set to implement further layoffs as it struggles with a significant drop in international student enrollment. Acting President Dr. Diane Purvey addressed staff in a recent letter, announcing plans to cut dozens of positions in response to a projected revenue shortfall of $5-10 million for the 2025-26 budget year.

The anticipated decline in international enrollment is stark, with KPU expecting only around 2,360 international students this fall, representing a 60 percent decrease compared to two years ago. This drop follows the federal government’s temporary cap on admissions aimed at managing the influx of international students.

In her letter, Purvey highlighted that lengthy processing times for student permits and increasing denial rates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada have emerged as significant barriers for prospective international students. She noted that these factors have directly impacted KPU’s revenue, which must align with British Columbia’s mandate for universities to operate without deficits.

Domestic enrollment also presents challenges, having declined by approximately three percent since fall 2023. In light of these issues, KPU aims to reduce its workforce by cutting an estimated 45 full-time equivalent positions by March 2026. Most of these cuts will affect administrative roles and employees represented by the B.C. General Employees’ Union. Currently, KPU has already eliminated about 20 positions, which were either vacant or recently vacated, resulting in savings of $2.6 million.

In addition to administrative cuts, KPU has issued layoff notices to eight instructors within the Melville School of Business. Earlier this year, the university had already notified another 70 faculty members regarding potential layoffs. KPU is currently in discussions with the Kwantlen Faculty Association to explore options for retaining some of these positions, but if no solutions are found, affected roles will be terminated by January.

Purvey expressed disappointment over the necessity of these additional reductions, stating, “The university continues to pursue strategies to increase revenues and reduce costs to minimize the need for further action.”

The situation at KPU reflects broader concerns within Canada’s post-secondary education sector. Earlier this week, Universities Canada cautioned that the government’s cap on international students is impacting institutions more severely than anticipated. In response, Auditor General Karen Hogan is conducting an audit of the country’s international students program, with results expected to be released next year.

As KPU navigates these financial challenges, the university remains focused on finding solutions to stabilize its enrollment and revenue streams while balancing the need for budgetary reductions.