The College of New Caledonia (CNC) is preparing to implement significant program changes and possible layoffs following a sharp decline in international student enrolment.
CNC issued a press release announcing that the college projects a potential operating deficit for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
The downturn, which follows recent federal regulatory changes affecting international students, has prompted the college to reassess its financial and enrolment strategies, the college states.
CNC officials have informed staff about the current financial challenges, noting that the college "anticipates very few international students in the upcoming terms."
To address the shortfall, CNC plans to revise its enrolment targets and "adjust program capacities based on predictive enrolment data."
This strategy will include budget reductions through measures such as eliminating vacant positions, revising admission capacities and potentially implementing layoffs across all employee groups.
CNC has already begun discussing these adjustments with faculty and bargaining associations, with the details of the changes expected to take several months of planning.
Despite these challenges, the college has committed to supporting current international students, ensuring they can complete their studies as planned.
NC has been working on strategic enrolment management for the past five years, aiming to balance domestic and international student enrolment more effectively.
Looking ahead, CNC will focus on strengthening domestic enrolment, which has seen growth in recent years due to careful planning. The college is also exploring new opportunities for international students, including offering programs aligned with the Government of Canada’s newly designated areas eligible for post-graduate work permits.
This is a developing story that will be updated.
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