Holland College's 2025 enrolment numbers were released to the Board of Governors on October 22. The college's international student population will fall from a high of 848 in 2024 to 446 this year, a reduction of 47%. Further, it is projected that the 26/27 academic year will see an additional loss of about 300 international students. In sum, over the 25/26 and 26/27 academic years, the college will incur a loss of about 700 international students or about 83% of the college's total international student population.
This is the result of recent changes to federal immigration policies, in particular, the sharp decline in the number of college students eligible for a Post Graduate Work Permit. The college will sustain a loss of tuition revenue in this fiscal year in excess of $4 million, a trend which is projected to continue.
The decline is most significant at the college's Tourism and Culinary campus, where four programs were suspended this past April. Across the college, eight programs have been suspended for the Fall 2025 intake, and two additional programs have undergone significant restructuring to align with new enrolment realities. These adjustments represent the most substantial shift in program offerings in the college's history. As a result, 35 valued faculty and staff positions have been discontinued.
To help mitigate the impact of future declines, the college has reinforced its efforts in domestic markets. While the college has seen a 10% decrease in overall enrolment, from 2594 in 2024 to 2340 this year, PEI residents now total 1423, an increase of 11% from the previous year.
Dr. Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald, President & CEO of Holland College, says that increase can be attributed to significant efforts by college recruiters and program staff to connect with prospective students.
"Our sustained growth in the local and regional markets is a direct reflection of the quality of Holland College programs, and our reputation for student-driven, industry-led training," said MacDonald. "However, we remain concerned about the Federal immigration policies which continue to have an outsized impact on our region. Our significant drop in international student enrolment can be attributed directly to the federal government's decision to restrict college students' eligibility for a Post Graduate Work Permit. Fewer enrolled students mean fewer skilled professionals entering the workforce at a critical time for the growth of the Canadian economy."
It is estimated that approximately 87% of Holland College graduates remain in the province after completing their education, indicating that the ongoing federal restrictions will have a negative rippling effect on employers and prosperity in the region.
The college is reviewing opportunities for new revenue streams and remains dedicated to working with the government to find solutions to maintain diverse program offerings and contribute to Canada's economic strength.
For more information
140 Weymouth Street
Charlottetown Prince Edward Island
Canada C1A 4Z1
www.hollandcollege.com
