Currently enrolled students will be able to complete the second year of their studies provided they meet all the necessary academic requirements.
The federal government’s cap on international student study permits and changes to post-graduation work permits (PGWP) eligibility has had a profound effect on Holland College’s first year enrollment for September of 2025.
One of the reasons the number of international students has significantly decreased is that under the new regulations; in order to be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), students must have graduated from a program that has been deemed to be in a field where there is a labour force shortage. Fewer than half of Holland College’s programs have been deemed to be an acceptable Field of Study by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and programs that are not approved are less attractive to international students.
In addition, the number of study permits that can be issued has been capped by IRCC. Although domestic enrollment may increase slightly, the increase cannot cover the losses the college will suffer because of IRCC’s policy changes.
Based on the current enrollment trends, the college is projecting an 83% decrease in international students, resulting in $7 million in lost tuition and fees annually.
Holland College is not in a unique situation. Colleges and universities across the country are in the same position, and many are reducing staff and suspending programs. After much consideration, the Holland College Board of Governors and the college’s senior management team have determined that the only course of action is to implement a number of college-wide mitigation measures to minimize revenue losses and ensure the college’s long-term financial sustainability. These measures include a reduction in program staffing and administrative positions and attrition through retirements and vacant positions. We are also engaged in energy-saving measures across our campuses to reduce utilities expenses, vendor contract negotiations to secure better rates and terms, and streamlining administrative processes to improve efficiency and reduce redundancy.
These changes will include both program amendments and suspensions to the first-year intake in select programs. These program decisions are based on an historical reliance on international students, projected future enrollment, and whether the program is PGWP eligible.
In total, eleven programs will be affected with eight programs being suspended, and three programs downsized due to reduced enrollment, affecting 35 members of staff. Those who are affected have been notified, and the college is working to ensure that they are supported as they transition.
No new students will be admitted to these programs starting fall 2025. Currently enrolled students will be able to complete the second year of their studies provided they meet all the necessary academic requirements.
or
or
Currently enrolled students will be able to complete the second year of their studies provided they meet all the necessary academic requirements.
Students unable to complete their program in the established timeline will need to contact the Registrar’s office admissions@hollandcollege.com to review options.
The Admissions office will contact you to discuss your options. You may choose to apply for a different program providing you meet the admission requirements. If you choose to cancel your admission to Holland College, you will be refunded your application fee and confirmation fee.
Contact our recruitment office, recruitment@hollandcollege.com. They will help you find a program that works for you.
Work integrated learning (WIL) opportunities such as on-the-job training, internships and clinical placements, will continue as planned.
International students must complete a program of study that meets the Field of Study requirements to be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). If you did not apply for your study permit before November 1, 2024, and would like to be considered for a PGWP, you must complete a program that meets the Field of Study requirements. View the list of programs for which you can receive a post-graduation work permit here.
You are welcome to apply to another program providing you meet the admission requirements. Our recruitment team can assist with the process of selecting another program and submitting the application. If you wish to cancel your application to Holland College, we will refund the application fee, and the confirmation fee.
International students who held a study permit or submitted a study permit application before November 1, 2024, will be exempt from the Field of Study requirement for the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) upon completion of the program of study named on the Letter of Acceptance used in their study permit application. Students must remain compliant with all other study permit conditions.
If your current program of study is not the academic program named on the original Letter of Acceptance used in your study permit application, please contact the registrar’s office.
Your application for a study permit extension will not be assessed based on program status or PGWP eligibility. We do not anticipate problems with study permit extensions for students who have remained compliant with all study permit conditions. Review the study permit conditions to ensure that you are in compliance.
If your current program of study is not the academic program named on the original Letter of Acceptance used in your study permit application, you may require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). Please review the IRCC announcement page. For questions email our international department.