Algonquin College looking to cut another 30 programs in 2026

Algonquin College is considering another round of program cuts amid changing enrolment patterns and financial challenges. CTV’s Stefan Keyes reports.

Staff at Ottawa’s Algonquin College say a recommendation is being made to the college’s Board of Governors next month that could see up to 30 programs cut at the school.

This comes after the board approved a plan last year to cut 37 academic programs, four dormant programs and close its campus in Perth, Ont. to cover a major financial deficit.

In an operational update on its website, the college says the recommendations are being made to “ensure alignment with student and labour market demands, financial sustainability and resource optimization.”

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“If the recommendation is approved by the Board of Governors on February 23, 2026, no new students will be admitted to these programs starting Fall 2026. Currently enrolled students and students admitted to their program for Spring 2026 will be able to complete their studies, provided they meet all the necessary academic requirements,” the college says.

The programs recommended for suspension include bartending, hotel and restaurant operations management, journalism, music industry arts, and the horticulture techniques apprenticeship. Four programs at the Pembroke Campus — business, business fundamentals, computer programming, and environmental management and assessment — are included but would still be offered at the Ottawa campus.

College officials say the recommendations are a response to policy decisions by the federal government and provincial funding shortfalls.

“The recommendations are a necessary response to rapid and significant shifts in the postsecondary landscape, including enrolment volatility and changing labour market and student demand,” Algonquin College says in an FAQ. “Our responsibility is to ensure that we can continue to deliver a high-quality learning experience and strong student supports, while making decisions that protect the long-term sustainability of Algonquin College.”

In its 2024-25 budget, approved last April, the Treasurer’s Report said changes announced by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada in 2024 to restrict post-graduate work permit eligibility excluded 62 per cent of Algonquin College’s existing programs, leading to a decline in projected international enrollments. The budget projected a negative net cash flow of $34.8 million in 2025-26.

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The college says it will ensure all current students can complete their programs and will provide referrals and guidance for prospective students on alternative programs, if the recommendations are approved in February.

“The recommendations are meant to help the College remain financially sustainable and focus on programs with strong student demand and industry relevance. This ensures the College continues to serve learners and the community effectively,” Algonquin College says.

Here is the list of programs recommended for suspension, pending approval by the board of governors:

Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence

• Sustainable Architectural Design
• Horticultural Industries
• Horticulture Techniques – Apprenticeship

Pembroke Campus

• Business (Program still offered at the Ottawa Campus and AC Online)
• Business Fundamentals (Program still offered at the Ottawa Campus and AC Online)
• Computer Programming (Program still offered at the Ottawa Campus and AC Online)
• Environmental Management and Assessment (Program still offered at the Ottawa Campus)

School of Advanced Technology

• Manufacturing Engineering Technician

Faculty of Arts and Media Design

• Pathways to Indigenous Empowerment (New Indigenous Studies programs offered)
• Applied Museum Studies
• Design Foundations
• General Arts and Science – Aboriginal (New Indigenous Studies programs offered)
• Journalism
• Music, Media and Film Foundations
• General Arts and Science (except English for Academic Purposes)
• Music Industry Arts
• Illustration and Concept Art

School of Business and Hospitality

• Bachelor of Culinary Arts & Food Science (Honours)
• Bartending
• Business Development and Sales
• Hospitality – Hotel and Restaurant Operations Management
• Tourism – Travel
• Law Clerk
• Event Management
• Financial Services
• Paralegal

School of Health Studies

• Pre-Health Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas
• Pre-Health Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees (Program still offered at Pembroke Campus)

School of Wellness, Public Safety & Community Studies

• Recreation and Leisure Services
• Fitness and Health Promotion (Program still offered through AC Online)