Conestoga College to lose more than half its current international students in Ford government changes
Posted Mar 28, 2024 09:08:12 AM.
Last Updated Mar 28, 2024 01:02:50 PM.
Conestoga College has issued its response to the Doug Ford government slashing its 2024 allocation for international students.
An online statement from the college said, in part:
“Our allocation was set at less than 50 per cent of our current international enrolment. With this news, we will assess the enrolment and operational impacts and communicate more as details become available.”
It goes on to say Conestoga remains committed to working collaboratively with all government partners to ensure we continue supporting a workforce that is equipped with the skills and knowledge to succeed in key sectors.
The Ontario government announced Wednesday it will give the vast majority of its allocated international student study permits to post-secondary institutions that offer in-demand programs such as in the skilled trades, child care and health care.
A statement from the Colleges and Universities Minister, Jill Dunlop, said “Conestoga College will see the largest decline” in international permits.
The college’s response argued Conestoga is the predominant source of skilled workers in the eight cities it serves.
The federal government announced in January this year it would slash the international student permits it would hand out, with Ontario seeing its allotment cut in half.
