Impact of Federal Immigration Policies on Holland College
Holland College, a post-secondary institution located in Prince Edward Island, is facing a significant challenge due to recent federal immigration policy changes. These changes have led to a nearly 50 per cent drop in international student enrollment compared to the previous year, resulting in millions of dollars in lost tuition revenue.
In a recent news release, the college outlined its 2025 enrollment numbers, which were presented to the board of governors. The data shows that the number of international students will decrease from 848 in 2024 to 446 in 2025, representing a 47 per cent decline. The college also anticipates an additional loss of about 300 international students for the 2026-27 academic year.
“We remain concerned about the federal immigration policies which continue to have an outsized impact on our region,” stated Sandy MacDonald, president and CEO of Holland College, in the release.
Over the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years combined, the college expects to lose approximately 700 international students. This represents about 83 per cent of its total international student population, according to the release. The college estimates it will lose more than $4 million in tuition revenue this fiscal year, with the trend expected to continue.
The figures mentioned in the release reflect the fall 2025 intake and do not include any changes resulting from winter enrolment, as noted by the college.
Holland College is not alone in experiencing these challenges. Many post-secondary institutions across Canada are witnessing similar declines in international student enrollments.
Permits for international students have dropped sharply nationwide this year following the introduction of a cap on new study permits in early 2024. However, the college specifically attributes the decline to one particular policy change: the tightening of eligibility rules for the post-graduate work permit (PGWP). These permits allow international students who graduate from eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions to work in the country for up to three years.
Under the revised rules, students in non-degree programs must now complete studies in fields linked to labor shortages—such as health care, education, and the trades—to qualify for the PGWP. The college claims this change has significantly reduced the number of its students eligible for the permit.
“Our significant drop in international student enrolment can be attributed directly to the federal government’s decision to restrict college students’ eligibility for a post-graduate work permit,” said MacDonald in the release.
“Fewer enrolled students mean fewer skilled professionals entering the workforce at a critical time for the growth of the Canadian economy.”
Program Changes and Workforce Impacts
The release highlighted that the decline has been most significant at the college’s tourism and culinary campus, where four programs were suspended this past April. Across the institution, eight programs were suspended for the fall 2025 intake, and two others underwent “significant restructuring to align with new enrolment realities.”
“These adjustments represent the most substantial shift in program offerings in the college’s history,” the release said. “As a result, 35 valued faculty and staff positions have been discontinued.”
Efforts to Offset the Loss
To help mitigate future declines, the college has increased its recruitment efforts within Prince Edward Island and across Canada. While overall enrollment fell by 10 per cent, from 2,594 students in 2024 to 2,340 this year, the number of Islanders attending the college rose by 11 per cent, reaching 1,423 students.
“It is estimated that approximately 87 per cent of Holland College graduates remain in the province after completing their education, indicating that the ongoing federal restrictions will have a negative rippling effect on employers and prosperity in the region,” the release said.
The college is exploring opportunities for new revenue streams and remains committed to working with the government to find solutions to maintain program offerings.