Conestoga College has seen a massive drop in international student enrolment over the past year.
A summary sent to staff and students dated July 28 reads that 8,584 international students were enrolled this spring semester, compared to the more than 22,633 students enrolled for the same period in 2024, a decrease of about 62 per cent.
At the same time, the statement notes that the number of domestic students enrolled in the spring went up to 3,498 compared to 2,754 last year, an increase of 28 per cent. Since 2023, the number of domestic student enrolments has risen by 73 per cent.
The summary showed that the number of first-year international students dropped by 59 per cent to 6,377 in 2025 versus 15,714 in 2024. Meanwhile, the number of first-year domestic students went up by 8 per cent from 1,994 last year to 2,149 this spring.
This comes after the federal government put a cap on international students last year, which has led to colleges and universities around the country to lay off more staff and make cutbacks.
A statement from Conestoga College President John Tibbits said, “Like most post-secondary institutions in Ontario, Conestoga’s international enrolment has significantly declined, however, Conestoga has seen a small increase in domestic enrolment with a 7% domestic increase for the current spring semester, and the fall confirmations are up by almost 15%. We will continue adjusting operations to enrolment and remain optimistic for the future.”
The college has made several cuts in the last few months. Back in March, the college made an undisclosed number of layoffs, followed by a second round in April that saw 180 people lose their jobs.
On Monday, the college confirmed to 570 NewsRadio that four executive positions were terminated within the last week.
Earlier this month, the college was accused of cutting back on air conditioning at some of its campuses.
Conestoga’s annual report on its finances is expected to come out on July 31. Last year, the college reported a surplus of approximately $251 million.
Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles was at the University of Waterloo on Monday for a roundtable with students from local colleges and universities as part of her “All In Ontario” tour.