A wave of layoffs at British Columbia’s higher education institutions has sparked deep concern among faculty members. Faculty unions are warning that the unprecedented decline in international student numbers and the resulting sharp drop in revenue have plunged the province’s universities and colleges into “the biggest crisis in the history of higher education.”

“This is the biggest crisis in the history of higher education, and unfortunately it’s not being recognized as a crisis,” said Frank Kasko, president of the Vancouver Community College Faculty Association. “The big question is, what’s going to replace the revenue from international students?”

🔸 Cuts at universities and colleges

Langara College has confirmed that it will be cutting 69 positions by March 2026, with 2,400 international students expected to enroll.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) also said in an internal memo that it will be cutting 45 positions by March 2026, and has already eliminated 20 vacancies. It has also laid off eight professors in its business school, one of the most popular majors among international students.
Vancouver Community College is also set to lay off more than two dozen staff by early 2026.
🔸 Cause of the crisis
The crisis is the result of policies by the federal and provincial governments.

In January 2024, the federal government announced that it would reduce the number of study permits issued to international students by 35% for two years to address the housing crisis and prevent abuse in the sector.
In July 2024, the British Columbia government also limited the number of international students admitted to public higher education institutions to 30% of the total capacity.
🔸 Implications for students
These layoffs and reduced capacity have prevented many domestic students from completing the courses they need. “I have a lot of friends who have had to delay their graduation by a year or two,” said Cole Reinbald, of the British Columbia Federation of Students. “That means tens of thousands of dollars more in tuition costs.”

🔸 Government response
B.C.’s Higher Education Minister Jesse Suner said in a statement that the province’s higher education institutions are under severe financial pressure due to factors beyond their control, and the ministry is working closely with universities and colleges to find ways to manage costs and return to financial stability.

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