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College faculty

Ontario Universities Face Record Enrollment and Tuition Shortfall

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Record numbers of first-year students have enrolled in Ontario universities, but the loss of lucrative international students has resulted in a $81 million tuition shortfall, according to a new analysis. Despite the enrollment boom, the province's universities are facing financial distress due to ongoing funding pressures, including a tuition freeze and decreased international student enrollment. The Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations reports that the loss of international students, who pay several times more in fees, has further impacted schools' bottom line.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ontario universities have enrolled a record number of first-year students, with over 84,000 students confirmed to attend this fall, a 5,100 increase over last year.
  • The tuition shortfall for the cohort is estimated to be $81 million, due to the loss of lucrative international students who pay an average of $48,000 per year.
  • The loss of international students is attributed to federal changes that have made it harder for foreign students to obtain study visas, as well as increasing restrictions and rhetoric in the U.S. towards international students.
  • The Ontario government has injected over $2 billion into the system in the past 18 months, but the faculty confederation says the system needs an immediate $2.78 billion boost to reach the national average.
  • Many schools have seen double-digit increases in Ontario student registrations, including Laurentian University, which just four years ago sought creditor protection to resolve its dire financial situation.
  • The province's universities expect to lose about $900 million in foreign tuition in total between 2024-25 and the coming school year.

Statistics:

  • 84,000 Ontario students confirmed they'll start attending university this fall, a 5,100 increase over last year.
  • The tuition shortfall for the cohort is estimated to be $81 million.
  • International students pay an average of $48,000 per year.
  • Overall, the province's universities expect to lose about $900 million in foreign tuition in total between 2024-25 and the coming school year.

Sources:

  • Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA)
  • Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC)
  • Ontario Government
  • Western University
  • Trent University
  • University of Ottawa
  • OCAD University
  • Laurentian University
  • Queen's University

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