Charlottetown, PEI – Holland College is taking the rare step of suspending eight academic programs for the 2025–2026 academic year, citing a sharp downturn in international student enrolment linked to recent federal immigration policy changes.
The college, one of Prince Edward Island’s key post-secondary institutions, said it anticipates a steep drop in international students—from 799 in 2024 to just 140 by 2026—following the federal government’s decision to cap international student admissions and tighten rules around post-graduate work permits.
“This is an extremely difficult but necessary decision,” said Sandy MacDonald, president and CEO of Holland College, in a statement issued Friday. “We must adapt to these new realities to protect the quality and sustainability of our programs.”
The impact is significant: the enrolment drop is expected to cost the institution $7 million annually in lost tuition and associated fees.
The following programs will be suspended for new students in 2025–26:
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Project Management (Post-Graduate Certificate)
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Hotel and Restaurant Operations Management
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Tourism, Travel, and Event Management
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Marketing and Advertising Management
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Electronics Engineering Technology
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Energy Systems Engineering Technology
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Architectural Technology
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Legal Administration
Current students already enrolled in these programs will be allowed to complete their studies, provided they meet the necessary academic requirements.
Additionally, three other programs will see reduced intake due to declining enrolment numbers. Altogether, the changes will affect around 35 staff members, with the college planning to manage workforce adjustments through attrition, retirements, and the elimination of vacant roles.
In an effort to stabilize finances, the college said it is working with the provincial government and implementing broader cost-saving measures. These include lowering utility expenses through energy-efficiency initiatives, renegotiating vendor contracts, and streamlining administrative operations.
The announcement marks a significant shift for the college, which has seen robust international student growth in recent years. Now, facing changing federal policies and financial strain, Holland College is recalibrating for a leaner future.
