MITT to close doors as Canada’s international student cap bites

The Winnipeg-based school saw an international enrolment decline of 55% this academic year, “making the current financial model unsustainable,” said Neil Cooke, president and CEO. He recently notified students in a statement that MITT would cease operations.  

Cooke blamed the cap imposed by the federal Liberal government in January 2024. “These changes have created uncertainty for students and post-secondary institutions across Canada and sent a message abroad that international students aren’t valued here,” he said.

Students already enrolled at MITT will be able to complete their studies. Some may transfer to Red River College Polytech, Cooke said.

Higher education consultant Ken Steele was not surprised by the decision. “MITT is the first time we’ve seen a public college in Canada completely closed down by its provincial government, but I suspect it won’t be the last,” he told The PIE News.

MITT is the first time we’ve seen a public college in Canada completely closed down by its provincial government, but I suspect it won’t be the last
_{^{Ken Steele, higher education consultant}}

The board of Memorial University of Newfoundland has also voted to sell its campus in Harlow, England, along with several other properties. The school has used the overseas site since the 1960s, but has found that costs are rising while enrolments are falling. Memorial plans to close its campus in England by August 31.

“We are taking a disciplined, intentional approach to financial stewardship so Memorial’s resources are directed where they have the most financial impact,” Justin Ladha, chair of the Board of Regents, announced.

Memorial saw a 23.5% drop in the number of international students last fall. In spring 2025, it was forced to make almost CAD $21 million in cuts.

Post-secondary institutions across the country have been struck. Steele is tracking the devastation, reporting that CAD $5.7bn in post-secondary revenues has been lost so far. As a result, he says that more than 17,000 jobs have disappeared.

Public colleges in Ontario were the most dependent on international tuition revenues and therefore are the hardest hit. Steele says that Conestoga College, based in Kitchener, Ontario, has slashed more than 2,500 positions over the past two years.

The worst is yet to come, Steele believes. “Many small campuses and small colleges in remote areas are struggling with enrolment amid challenging demographics. Merging smaller institutions makes a lot of sense – as has been suggested by numerous government reviews over the last decade or two,” he said.

“In the face of multibillion-dollar losses in revenue for Canada’s colleges and universities, provincial government like Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia are undertaking reviews of their funding formulas,” Steele said. However, they have stated that no new funds will be available.

He urged provinces to let domestic tuition fees increase to give post-secondary institutions more cash. “It would also be helpful if provincial funding could incentivise more collaboration, instead of ever-heightening competition,” he said.

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