North Island College (NIC) remains focused on being responsive to the workforce needs of the communities the college serves. As part of this commitment, NIC continues to provide a broad range of high-quality education and training opportunities to students. NIC’s dedication to offering innovative, relevant programs that support student success and contribute to the region’s workforce remains at the heart of all decisions made.
In light of recent trends in international student enrolment and federal policy changes, NIC is realigning some of its programming to ensure continued alignment with identified labour market needs. This process involves evaluating and adjusting programs to reflect changing enrolment patterns, with fewer than 10% of the college’s programs no longer accepting students for the 2025/26 academic year. The adjustments, which unfortunately also include staffing reductions, are being driven by a decline in international student enrolment. NIC is anticipating a 30 per cent drop in this enrolment for the next academic year.
“We are facing a difficult yet necessary realignment of our programs as we respond to changing enrolment,” said Lisa Domae, President and CEO, NIC. “Our focus remains on being responsive to the workforce needs of our communities, and we are committed to continuing to provide a broad range of high-quality education and training opportunities to all of our students, both international and domestic.”
Federal Policy Changes Impacting International Student Enrolment
Last fall, the federal government, through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), announced significant changes to the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria for international students. These changes greatly reduced the number of college programs eligible for PGWP, a critical factor for international students seeking to stay in Canada and work after graduation.
Prior to that, the federal government’s decision to scale back the number of international students approved to study in Canada already had a significant impact on enrolment at post-secondary institutions across the country.
Aligning with Community and Workforce Needs
The adjustments to programming and staffing come as NIC continues to adapt to the changing landscape of post-secondary education. Through data-driven planning and collaboration, the college is aligning its offerings with the needs of both students and local employers. This realignment is part of NIC’s commitment to ensuring that its educational programs remain relevant, innovative, and positioned to meet the future demands of the labour market. Additionally, with the adjustments, we are currently on track to having a balanced budget for 2025/26, as required by legislation.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that our programs provide students with the skills they need to succeed in the emerging labour market,” said Tony Bellavia, NIC Vice-President, Academic. “Our program adjustments are part of an ongoing commitment to ensure that NIC continues to provide responsive, high-quality education for our students and communities.”
Supporting Students and Staff Through Change
As NIC realigns its offerings, the college is committed to supporting both its students and staff through this transition. While there will be changes, NIC is committed to providing a rich and diverse learning environment for both international and domestic students.
“We are working closely with our staff and faculty, as well as their respective union representatives, while following established processes and supporting our employees as we work through this transition,” said Ken Crewe, NIC Associate Vice-President, People, Equity & Inclusion. “We want to express our thanks to all involved.”
NIC’s strong foundation, adaptability, and innovation will not only assist us as we navigate these challenges, but help ensure we continue to be a vital resource for workforce development and community growth.
For more information, please contact Melanie Nagy, Associate Director Community and Public Affairs at media@nic.bc.ca
About North Island College:
North Island College (NIC) is honoured to acknowledge the traditional territories of the combined 35 First Nations of the Nuu-chah-nulth, Kwakwaka’wakw and Coast Salish traditions, on whose traditional and unceded territories the college’s campuses are situated. North Island College is a comprehensive community college that focuses on student success. We proudly serve more than 9,000 students annually at our various campuses and through online and in-community learning.