The Board of Governors at Camosun College has approved a balanced budget for the 2026/27 fiscal year, with total revenue and expenditures of $160.2 million. This reflects the careful work underway across the college to respond to sector-wide challenges while continuing to support students and employees.
International enrolment decline continues
The college continues to navigate the impacts of federal policy changes introduced in 2024 that led to a sharp and unprecedented decline in the number of international students across Canada. Study permit caps introduced in 2024 were reduced again in 2025, deepening the financial pressures felt across the post-secondary system, including here at Camosun College. We recognize these shifts create uncertainty for many employees and teams, and we are committed to continuing to share updates as plans develop.
Unfortunately, this trend is continuing into 2026/27. International enrolment is expected to be approximately 650 students, compared with a high of about 2,200 just two years ago. While domestic enrolment has increased slightly, there remains a structural funding gap in how domestic education is funded provincially, which continues to affect many colleges throughout British Columbia, including Camosun.
Auditor General report
Camosun is not alone in experiencing this decline. A March 2026 report by the Auditor General of Canada titled International Student Program Reforms found that federal immigration targets resulted in a steeper drop in international students than originally forecast due to both fewer applications and lower-than-projected approval rates.
A CBC story highlighted the scale of the difference between forecasted and actual study permit approvals: the intended reduction in British Columbia was 18% while the actual decline reached 66%. Colleges and smaller communities across the country have been especially impacted.
As a result of these changes, many international students are reconsidering Canada as a study destination.
Budgeted revenue and expenses
In 2026/27, provincial grants continue to make up the largest share of the college's revenue at $83 million (53%), followed by domestic tuition at $29 million (18%) and international tuition at $11 million (7%). On the expense side, salaries and benefits account for $128 million (80%), followed by school and department non-personnel costs at $11 million and amortization at $10 million (7%).
A detailed breakdown of budgeted revenue and expenses is available here.
The college's previous fiscal budget in 2025/26 was $172 million. The change reflects adjustments supported by a small increase in provincial grant funding, along with a cost-reduction strategy that includes school restructuring, a focus on essential spending, and workforce adjustments made with care and consideration for the people affected. The college is expecting to end 2025/26 in a deficit that has been approved by government.
Planning ahead
Camosun remains committed to its core mission of providing a high-quality education that meets the needs of students, employers, industries, and communities across the region, while ensuring the college remains financially sustainable for the future.
The approved 2026/27 budget includes the $9 million reduction that was previously shared on March 4. We know this is difficult news and understand the uncertainty it creates for employees, and we are committed to open and respectful conversations throughout this process. Each employee is deeply valued and has helped create an exceptional place to work, learn and contribute.
The 2026/27 budget also includes a one-time $2.1 million investment from the provincial government recognizing Camosun's role in delivering career-focused and applied learning programs that respond to regional labour-market needs in high-demand sectors. This targeted funding will support development and expanded delivery of health programs, new equipment for trades training, and continued implementation of adult basic education and other career pathways.
Bi-weekly meetings are scheduled to continue between the college, unions, and Student Society to share information, hear concerns, and discuss next steps together. The college-wide canvass for employees in bargaining units closed on March 27 and proposals are still being reviewed.
We will continue to keep the community informed as decisions are made and as we move together into the new fiscal year, with a focus on transparency, respect, and support for one another.
