More layoffs at Kwantlen Polytechnic University as international enrollment plummets

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is shown in this undated file photo. (Kwantlen.ca)

There are more layoffs and job cuts coming to Kwantlen Polytechnic University, as the school grapples with plummeting enrolment from international students.

Acting president Dr. Diane Purvey announced the latest budget-reduction measures in a letter to staff this week, revealing the university is axing dozens of additional positions over the coming months.

“Unfortunately, the continued international enrolment decline means revenue this year is now projected to be $5-10 million lower than forecast in the 2025-26 budget,” Purvey wrote. “With universities in B.C. mandated to operate without deficits, KPU must make difficult decisions to decrease expenses to align with our significantly lower revenues.”

The university is only expecting to enrol some 2,360 international students this fall, a decrease of 60 per cent from two years ago, before the federal government implemented a temporary cap on their admissions.

• Related: 200 jobs lost at B.C. college due to international student cap, faculty association says

Purvey said lengthy student permit processing times at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, as well as higher denial rates, are “now the biggest barrier for international students seeking admission.”

Domestic enrolment at KPU has also sagged about three per cent since fall 2023, she said.

To make up for KPU’s declining revenue, Purvey said the university is aiming to cut an estimated 45 full-time equivalent positions by March 2026, all among administrative and B.C. General Employees’ Union workers.

About 20 of the positions – which were either already vacant or became vacant – have been eliminated so far, she said, for a combined savings of $2.6 million.

In addition to those cuts, KPU has issued layoff notices to another eight instructors in the Melville School of Business. The university gave notice to another 70 faculty members back in March.

Kwantlen said it will be working with the instructors’ union, the Kwantlen Faculty Association, over the coming months to see if any of the jobs can be saved. If not, the positions will be terminated as of January.

“We are deeply disappointed these additional reductions are necessary,” Purvey wrote. “The university continues to pursue strategies to increase revenues and reduce costs to minimize the need for further action.”

Earlier this week, Universities Canada warned the government’s cap on international students is hitting post-secondary schools harder than expected.

Auditor General Karen Hogan is auditing the country’s international students program, with the findings expected to be presented next year.