The adjustments, which also include staffing reductions, are being driven by a decline in international student enrolment. NIC is anticipating a 30 per cent drop in this enrolment for the next academic year.
鈥淲e are facing a difficult yet necessary realignment of our programs as we respond to changing enrolment,鈥� said Lisa Domae, president and CEO of NIC. 鈥淥ur focus remains on being responsive to the workforce needs of our communities, and we are committed to continuing to provide a broad range of high-quality education and training opportunities to all of our students, both international and domestic.鈥�
Last fall, the federal government, through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), announced significant changes to the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria for international students. These changes greatly reduced the number of college programs eligible for PGWP, a critical factor for international students seeking to stay in Canada and work after graduation.
Before that, the federal government鈥檚 decision to scale back the number of international students approved to study in Canada already had a significant impact on enrolment at post-secondary institutions across the country.
The adjustments to programming and staffing come as NIC continues to adapt to the changing landscape of post-secondary education. Through data-driven planning and collaboration, the college is aligning its offerings with the needs of both students and local employers. This realignment is part of NIC鈥檚 commitment to ensuring that its educational programs remain relevant, innovative, and positioned to meet the future demands of the labour market.
Additionally, with the adjustments, the college is currently on track to having a balanced budget for 2025/26, as required by legislation.
鈥淲e are dedicated to ensuring that our programs provide students with the skills they need to succeed in the emerging labour market,鈥� said Tony Bellavia, NIC vice-president, academic. 鈥淥ur program adjustments are part of an ongoing commitment to ensure that NIC continues to provide responsive, high-quality education for our students and communities.鈥�
As NIC realigns its offerings, the college is committed to supporting both its students and staff through this transition. While there will be changes, NIC is committed to providing a rich and diverse learning environment for both international and domestic students.
鈥淲e are working closely with our staff and faculty, as well as their respective union representatives while following established processes and supporting our employees as we work through this transition,鈥� said Ken Crewe, NIC associate vice-president, people, equity & inclusion. 鈥淲e want to express our thanks to all involved.鈥�
