International student caps went further than orginally planned

By RIDWAAN ADAS

Langara faculty are concerned about a recent report from the federal Auditor General that government limits on international student permits led to a much steeper drop in enrolment than expected. 

While initial federal government projections estimated an 18 per cent reduction in international student permits, the actual decline has been reported to be as high as 66 per cent. The Auditor General’s report was released March 23 and covered the impact of permit reductions first announced in 2024.  

Employment and uncertainty

Langara instructors said the impact is being felt in different ways from both inside the classroom and behind the scenes.  

An English instructor, who asked to remain anonymous as many instructors fear losing their jobs among ongoing layoffs, said the effects have been immediate and personal. 

“I think it’s mainly led to increased job insecurity,” she said. “In my first couple of years here, we always had full sections… but right now, I don’t have any classes assigned for the summer yet. We’re kind of just waiting.” 

She said fewer international students have meant fewer course sections, especially in classes that once relied heavily on that enrolment. 

“Every semester, I’m waiting to see how things will go,” she said. “It’s created a lot of uncertainty.” 

Her experience reflects a broader concern across post-secondary institutions, where international students often make up a significant portion of enrolment. 

Aurora Landin, chair of the fine arts department, said in an email to the Voice that while her program has historically had fewer international students, the effects across campus have been significant. 

“You can see the devastating effect on multiple programs across the college, with several cut completely,” she said. “Countless colleagues from other departments have lost jobs and courses.” 

She added that increasing minimum enrolment requirements is also putting pressure on programs, such as cancelling classes that affect current students. 

But for other faculty, the impact goes beyond numbers. 

Classroom experience

Gloria Han, an instructor in the fine arts department, said the absence of international students is changing the learning environment itself. 

“I miss the higher population of international students. It was something really unique to Langara,” she said. 

In her classes, where critique and discussion are central, she said international students played a key role in shaping conversations. 

“Some of the best critiques came from international students,” she said. “With encouragement, they often gave some of the most thoughtful feedback.” 

She said their absence is not just noticeable, but it changes how students learn from each other. 

Beyond tuition

“International students bring new worlds to share in the classroom and in the community,  

“As their numbers dwindle, so too does the interaction,” Landin said. 

Han also pushed back on how international students are not fully appreciated by the institutions.

“Institutions really undervalue what international students contribute beyond money,” she said. “Some of my best students and strongest critiques came from them.” 

Landin added that the impact of the reduction of international students at Langara is also being felt emotionally across campus. 

“The cuts have been brutal and morale has certainly been affected,” she said. “Faculty and staff are trying to navigate through the difficulties and keep providing the highest quality education with increasingly less resources.”   

Langara College was contacted for comment but declined to respond.