Overview
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University expects about 2,360 international students this fall, roughly 60% fewer than in Fall 2023, with overall enrollment down about 25%.
- A staff memo projects a $5–10 million revenue shortfall in the 2025–26 budget, triggering another round of reductions equal to roughly 40–45 full-time positions.
- Eight instructors in the Melville School of Business have received layoff notices with end dates in January 2026 unless mitigation agreements reduce the number.
- KPU cites lengthy IRCC study-permit processing times and higher denial rates as the main barrier for international applicants, following national cuts to permit volumes and narrowed PGWP eligibility.
- The Kwantlen Faculty Association warns the combined effect of layoffs, retirements, and lost contract work could shrink the faculty by 10–20% and is urging federal and provincial intervention, as other B.C. schools report similar pressures.