Georgian College is cutting staff and making other adjustments which the school says is needed to ensure its long-term sustainability.
"Like most Canadian postsecondary institutions, Georgian College has been adjusting to serious financial constraints resulting from chronic underfunding and more recent policy changes by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)," the school said in a news release on Tuesday.
The adjustments include, but aren't limited to, a voluntary retirement program, standardization of support staff hours, expanded summer semester teaching assignments, and layoffs.
According to Georgian, there have been 45 layoffs, 31 voluntary retirements, and 10 vacancy closures.
"This brings the total number of full-time positions impacted since January 2024 (when the first international student enrolement policy changes were announced by IRCC) to 229, representing about 22 per cent of Georgian's full-time workforce," the school stated.
The college faces a projected financial gap of approximately $45 million for 2025-26, and an estimated gap of an additional $15 to 20 million for 2026-27.
"Our financial shortfall is largely due to a sharp and significant decline in international student enrolement, which further exposed the long-term underfunding of the Ontario college sector whereby the provincial grant funding we receive is 44 per cent of the national average," said President and CEO Kevin Weaver.
In addition to reductions in staffing, Georgian has also reviewed its programming to reflect declining international enrolment. The college anticipates an enrolment decrease of nearly 3,200 international full-time students in 2025-26. When compared to 2023-24, this represents a 45 per cent reduction in international enrolment.
Georgian's domestic enrolment has been increasing yet that growth is not sufficient to cover the gap arising from international student declines. When combined, Georgian anticipates a decrease of approximately 13 per cent (or 1,800 students) in 2025-26 vs 2023-24.
While the college has not suspended any programs, Georgian has suspended intakes and reduced the number of sections in some programs due to lower international enrolement:
- In 2024-25, 20 program suspensions were implemented for various semesters, locations and delivery types.
- To date, for 2025-26, 45 program starts have been removed across various semesters, locations and delivery types in 29 unique programs.
In programs where enrolement declines are significant, wherever possible, Georgian is providing alternative delivery formats to keep the programs available to meet labour-market demands and provide students with the skills required in today's economy, the school stated.
“One of the many unfortunate consequences of the cumulative impact facing Ontario colleges right now is that there will be a diminished talent pipeline for key sectors as the number of graduates will decline,” said Weaver. “Furthermore, the economic impact of reduced student spending in the region is estimated to be $17.6 million. Now more than ever, postsecondary, government and industry need to work together. As we face looming tariffs, our economy may experience major disruption to supply chains and jobs. Ontario colleges play a critical role in upskilling and reskilling our labour force as businesses, grow, diversify and innovate.”
Weaver said Georgian has also worked to ensure the school remains uncompromising in its commitment to its students.
We want our current and incoming students to know we’re committed to delivering an unrivaled student experience. This is a difficult time, but we’re hopeful that by working together with all levels of government, we can navigate these challenges and emerge stronger and more resilient.”
