The recent Cambrian College program suspensions are sending waves through Sudbury’s education sector, as the school halts intake for 6 more programs following an earlier pause on 10. The college attributes the drastic move to a steep decline in international student enrollment after IRCC introduced new post-graduate work permit rules. With fall enrollment dropping to 1,430 international students from 2,631 last year, the college is now projecting a $1.4 million deficit for 2025-2026, its first shortfall in more than a decade.

A Sharp Enrollment Drop That Reshaped the College

The numbers paint a clear picture. While domestic enrollment ticked up only slightly from 3,516 to 3,840, the loss of more than 1,200 international students left a gap too large for Cambrian to absorb. Many previously popular programs relied heavily on international student demand, particularly graduate certificates linked to pathways into the workforce.

The newest suspended programs include:

• Business Analytics
• Marketing Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Corporate Safety and Security
• Fitness and Health Promotion
• Community and Justice Services

Current students will be allowed to complete their studies, but no new intake will be accepted for these program areas.

Why the Decline Hit So Hard

IRCC rule changes released in June removed PGWP eligibility for many college-level programs. For institutions where international enrollment is tied directly to post-graduation work opportunities, this change has been critical.

A clear example is the Supply Chain Management program. Of its 165 new students last year, 163 were international. With the program removed from the PGWP eligibility list, fall projections showed zero new enrollments. The college stated plainly that it is not financially viable without international student participation.

The Community and Justice Services diploma, offered since 1986, also suffered. Though domestic students made up a large portion, the few international students enrolled each year helped sustain the program. Once PGWP eligibility was removed, the program could no longer retain enough students to remain viable.

Faculty Impact and Internal Adjustments

Six full-time faculty members are affected by the latest suspensions. Cambrian is working with its Employment Stability Committee to explore options for reassignment, just as it did when 7 faculty members were impacted by earlier suspensions in the spring.

Union representatives noted that while the situation is challenging, the college has been cooperative in finding solutions, something they say is not happening consistently across Ontario.

Why More Cambrian College Program Suspensions Could Follow

The college emphasized that these suspensions are temporary. Cambrian President Kristine Morrissey explained that the paused programs can be revived any time within the next 5 years without seeking ministerial approval. If federal policy shifts again, and many expect further changes, the college could quickly reinstate them.

Alongside the new suspensions, Cambrian permanently cancelled 19 old programs that have been inactive since as far back as 2011. These included the collaborative nursing degree previously offered with Laurentian University, as well as former theatre and music programs.

What This Means for International Students in Canada

The situation at Cambrian reflects a broader nationwide trend. Colleges across the country have reported steep drops in international enrollment following PGWP eligibility changes and new visa restrictions. Some institutions are bracing for deeper cuts, budget shortfalls, and more program freezes in 2025.

For students, the lesson is clear: choosing a study program now requires careful attention to IRCC rules, PGWP eligibility, and institutional stability.

The Future of Cambrian College Program Uspensions

The Cambrian College program suspensions highlight the powerful effect immigration policy changes can have on local institutions and student pathways. While the college hopes to restore paused programs if federal rules shift again, the immediate challenges are significant. For prospective students, especially those seeking PGWP eligibility, making informed decisions will be more important than ever.

If you plan to study in Canada or want clarity on PGWP-eligible programs, ImmigCanada can guide you through every step. Connect with our regulated experts today to choose the right program, understand IRCC updates, and protect your long-term immigration goals.