Fanshawe College is facing a period of major change as it responds to a sharp drop in international student enrolment and new government rules. These changes are having a big impact on international students, the programs offered, and the college’s finances. Here’s a detailed update on what’s happening, who is affected, what actions are needed, and what it all means for current and future students.
Summary of What Changed
As of July 24, 2025, Fanshawe College has suspended 40 programs for the Fall 2025 intake. This means no new students will be admitted to these programs starting in September 2025. The decision comes after a dramatic 64% projected drop in international student enrolment for the 2025 academic year. The college is also consolidating five programs from regional campuses to its main London campus. Earlier in 2025, 18 programs were already cut for similar reasons.
These changes are part of a larger operational review led by an outside consulting firm, StrategyCorp, hired by the Ontario government. The review looked at all aspects of Fanshawe’s operations, including program offerings, finances, and how well programs match job market needs. The review finished in April 2025, and its recommendations are now being put into action.
The main reasons for these changes are:
– A sharp drop in international student enrolment due to new federal and provincial government rules
– The need to make sure programs match what employers need and are financially sustainable
– New rules about which programs qualify for post-graduate work permits, which are important for many international students
Who Is Affected
These changes affect several groups:
- International students: Both current and future students face fewer program choices, more uncertainty about work permit eligibility, and new paperwork requirements.
- Domestic students: While domestic enrolment is up 11%, it’s not enough to make up for the loss of international students. Some domestic students may also see their programs suspended or changed.
- Faculty and staff: No regional campuses are closing, but program suspensions and consolidations may affect teaching loads and job security.
- The college as a whole: Fanshawe is facing a projected $35 million deficit for the coming year and a $95 million cumulative deficit by March 2026.
Effective Dates
- Program suspensions: No new students will be admitted to the 40 suspended programs starting Fall 2025 (September 2025).
- International student paperwork: For the September 2025 intake, all new international students must complete the International Student Form and upload their study permit approval by August 5, 2025.
- Operational review: The review was completed in April 2025, and its recommendations are being implemented through March 2026.
Required Actions for International Students
If you are an international student planning to attend Fanshawe College, here’s what you need to do:
- Check if your program is suspended: Visit the Fanshawe College program suspensions page to see if your chosen program is affected. If your program is on the list, you will not be able to start in September 2025. If you are already enrolled, the college will try to help you finish your studies, but you may need to transfer or change your plans.
- Complete the International Student Form: All new international students must fill out the International Student Form and upload their study permit approval at least seven days before traveling to Canada 🇨🇦. For September 2025, the deadline is August 5, 2025. This form helps the college confirm your enrolment and prepare for your arrival. You can find the form and instructions on the Fanshawe College International Centre website.
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Check your post-graduate work permit eligibility: Not all programs now qualify for a post-graduate work permit, which is important if you want to work in Canada 🇨🇦 after graduation. Make sure your program meets the new federal and provincial rules. You can read more about post-graduate work permits on the Government of Canada’s official website.
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Register for orientation and support services: Fanshawe College continues to offer orientation and support through its “Fanshawe Cares” program. Details and registration are available through the International Centre.
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Stay in touch with the college: If you have questions or need help, contact the International Centre by email at [email protected] or by phone at 519-452-4150.
Implications for Pending Applications
If you have already applied to Fanshawe College for Fall 2025 or later, check your program’s status right away. If your program has been suspended, the college may offer you a place in a different program or help you transfer. However, you may need to make quick decisions about your study plans, and there could be financial or personal impacts.
If you are waiting for a study permit, make sure to submit your approval to the college as soon as you receive it. Delays or missing paperwork could affect your ability to start your studies on time.
Details on Program Suspensions
The 40 programs suspended for Fall 2025 were chosen based on several factors:
– Declining enrolment numbers, especially among international students
– Whether the program matches current job market needs
– Financial sustainability of the program
– Whether the program qualifies for a post-graduate work permit
An additional five programs are being moved from regional campuses to the main London campus. Earlier in 2025, 18 programs were already cut for similar reasons.
If you are a current student in a suspended program, the college says it will support you to finish your studies if possible. However, details may vary by program, and some students may need to transfer or change their study plans.
Why Is This Happening?
Fanshawe College’s international student population grew quickly in recent years, from just over 4,000 in 2018 to about 11,700 in 2023. International students pay much higher tuition than domestic students—three to five times more—so they have been a major source of revenue for the college.
However, in 2024, the federal government set a cap on international student permits, limiting the total to 437,000 across Canada 🇨🇦 for 2025 and 2026. The Ontario government also introduced new rules, including:
– Minimum international enrolment in “priority programs” like early childhood education and health services
– A two-year pause on international enrolment for some one-year business management programs
– Only programs that meet new criteria will qualify for post-graduate work permits
These changes were made in response to concerns about housing shortages and rising rents, which some blamed on the rapid growth in international student numbers.
Fanshawe’s strategic plan from 2020 to 2025 had aimed for continued international growth, but the new policy environment forced the college to change direction quickly.
Financial Impact
Operational review completed
Announcement of 40 program suspensions
Deadline for international students to upload study permit approval
No new students admitted to suspended programs
Cumulative deficit projected to reach $95 million
The drop in international student enrolment is expected to result in about 5,000 fewer international students next semester compared to previous years. Domestic enrolment is up 11%, but this is not enough to make up for the loss. Overall, full-time enrolment is expected to drop by 36% over the next two years.
Fanshawe is projecting a $35 million deficit for the coming year and a $95 million cumulative deficit by March 2026. The college says it is financially stable in the long term, but short-term deficits mean more changes may be needed if enrolment trends do not improve.
Operational Review and Government Involvement
The Ontario government hired StrategyCorp to conduct an independent review of Fanshawe’s operations. The review looked at:
– Program offerings
– Organizational structure
– Use of leased space
– Financial health
The review included consultations with students, staff, and other stakeholders. Its recommendations included suspending 40 programs and consolidating others. The review is funded by the provincial government and is expected to be fully completed by March 2025.
Statements from Key Stakeholders
- Peter Devlin, Fanshawe President: Called the day of program suspensions “difficult,” but said the decisions were based on data and needed for long-term sustainability. He remains confident in Fanshawe’s future but warns of ongoing financial challenges.
- Siddharth Singh, Fanshawe Student Union President: Urged the Ontario government to increase funding for colleges to avoid further cuts and protect student supports.
- Lynn Courville, Ontario Student Voices: Warned that cuts could reduce important services like mental health support and called on the province to reconsider international student caps.
Practical Effects for International Students
International students are facing several challenges:
– Fewer program choices: With 40 programs suspended, students have fewer options for study.
– Uncertainty about work permits: Not all programs now qualify for post-graduate work permits, making it harder for students to plan their futures in Canada 🇨🇦.
– Possible need to transfer: Students in suspended programs may need to change programs or even transfer to another college.
– Financial hardship: Changes in program status can lead to unexpected costs, lost tuition, or delays in graduation.
– Reduced support services: As budgets tighten, some students worry about losing access to important supports like mental health services.
What Should Students Do Next?
If you are a current or future international student at Fanshawe College, here are your immediate next steps:
- Check your program’s status: Visit the Fanshawe College program suspensions page to see if your program is affected.
- Complete all required forms: Make sure to fill out the International Student Form and upload your study permit approval before the deadline.
- Contact the International Centre: If you have questions or need help, reach out by email or phone.
- Register for orientation: Take advantage of the support services offered to help you adjust to life at Fanshawe and in Canada 🇨🇦.
- Stay informed: Keep checking the Fanshawe College website and your email for updates, as the situation may change.
Implications for Faculty, Staff, and the College
Faculty and staff may see changes in their workloads or job roles as programs are suspended or consolidated. The college is trying to manage resources carefully to avoid deeper financial trouble, but further changes are possible if enrolment continues to drop.
Fanshawe’s leadership says the operational review and program suspensions are necessary to keep the college sustainable and in line with new government policies. However, student leaders and advocacy groups are pushing for more government funding and a review of the international student caps, arguing that cuts hurt students and could make labour shortages worse.
Looking Ahead
The operational review’s recommendations will continue to shape Fanshawe’s program offerings and resource allocation through at least March 2026. No further program suspensions are planned right now, but the college will keep watching enrolment and funding trends and may make more changes if needed.
The provincial and federal governments may revisit international student caps and funding formulas, but as of July 24, 2025, no changes have been announced. Students, faculty, and advocacy groups are actively lobbying for increased support and more flexible policies.
Where to Get More Information
For the most up-to-date information, students and stakeholders should regularly check the Fanshawe College International Centre website and contact the International Centre directly. You can also find official information about post-graduate work permits on the Government of Canada’s website.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes at Fanshawe College reflect wider trends across Canada 🇨🇦, where new government rules and shifting enrolment patterns are forcing colleges to make tough decisions. International students should act quickly to check their program status, complete all required paperwork, and seek support if needed.
Key Contacts and Resources
– Fanshawe College International Centre: fanshawec.ca/international/students/fanshawe-cares, [email protected], 519-452-4150
– Program Suspension Information: fanshawec.ca/admissions-finance/program-suspensions
– Fanshawe Student Union: fsu.ca
– Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities: ontario.ca/page/ministry-colleges-universities
– Post-Graduate Work Permit Information: Government of Canada
Final Takeaway
Fanshawe College’s program suspensions and operational review mark a major shift for international students and the college community. If you are affected, act quickly to check your program’s status, complete all required forms, and reach out for support. Stay informed, as more changes may come. The situation is evolving, and being proactive is the best way to protect your study plans and future in Canada 🇨🇦.
Learn Today
Program Suspension → Temporary halt of new admissions to certain academic programs to manage enrolment and finances.
Post-Graduate Work Permit → A government authorization allowing graduates to work in Canada after completing eligible programs.
Enrolment Cap → A government limit on the number of international students allowed to study each year.
Operational Review → A comprehensive evaluation of an institution’s programs, finances, and structure to improve sustainability.
International Student Form → A required document for new international students confirming enrolment and study permit approval.
This Article in a Nutshell
Fanshawe College faces drastic changes after a 64% enrolment drop. Forty programs suspend Fall 2025, with strict paperwork for international students. Financial deficits and program consolidations follow new government rules. Students must act fast to protect study and work plans amid evolving immigration policies impacting futures in Canada.
— By VisaVerge.com
