CREDIT: GRACIA ESPINOSA
Fanshawe president Peter Devlin said he anticipates the federal government’s proposed changes will have a “significant impact” on Fanshawe College.

In a note to Fanshawe employees on Jan. 25, Fanshawe president Peter Devlin said the college will require increased government funding to make up for the loss of international students.

“Based on the information available to us, we anticipate that these changes will have a significant impact on Fanshawe College,” Devlin said in the statement. “Although we have prudently managed our finances, and are currently in a sound financial position, the College will require increased government funding to maintain our exceptional academic quality, high standards of student service and modern facilities.”

Devlin went on to say that the college is currently “championing this cause with the provincial government.”


On Jan. 22, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced that the federal government will introduce a temporary, two-year cap on new international student permits. A cap of 364,000 approved study permits will be introduced, representing a 35 per cent reduction from 2023. The cap will be allocated by province based on population, meaning some provinces may see more significant decreases than others. The provinces and territories will work together to determine how the cap is distributed among the designated learning institutions under their jurisdiction.

Cuts will be applied based on each province’s population and each province will decide the allocation of international students to each designated learning institution. Applicants will also now need a provincial attestation to study, and provinces are expected to establish a process for issuing the attestation letters by March 31.

“I am grateful for your patience as we work to understand the challenges that lie ahead,” Devlin said.

In the meantime, Devlin said the college’s focus will be on “continuing to support current and prospective students during this transition.”