Recent changes by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada are having a major effect on many post-secondary institutions across the country, and Olds College in the heart of Alberta is no exception.
Due to a significant reduction in international student enrolment and a decline in operational grant funding from the Alberta government, Olds College is suspending intake into three program areas for the fall 2025 term:
- Agriculture technology integration (post-diploma certificate)
- Craft beverage and brewery operations (diploma)
- Hospitality and tourism management (certificate, diploma, post-diploma certificate)
As well, intake into the business management diploma three-day cohort on campus and the business management diploma at Concordia University College (Edmonton) are also suspended.
“Olds College remains committed to providing high-quality education, experiences and support to our students,” Debbie Thompson, Olds College interim president, said in a news release Feb. 27.
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“In order to navigate the growing demands and complex issues in the post-secondary system, we’ve been reviewing our program mix to ensure we align with industry needs, student demand and institutional priorities to ensure long-term stability for Olds College. The educational journey and success of our students remain our top priority.”
Olds College will continue with second-year courses for the affected programs for current students as they complete their studies.
IRCC announced in January 2024, that a cap would be set on international student permit applications for the next two years. In 2024, that cap was set at approximately 360,000 approved study permits, which was a decrease of 35 per cent from the previous year.
However, in reality that number ended up being around 280,000 approved permits. Only 91,000 of those were approved for new students in post-secondary institutions.
In January 2025, IRCC announced it expects a 10 per cent decrease in permit approvals from the previous year.
