Understanding the Crisis at Trinity Western University

Trinity Western University (TWU), Canada's largest faith-based institution located in Langley, British Columbia, has recently announced significant budget adjustments and workforce reductions. These measures stem directly from a sharp decline in international student enrollment, triggered by federal government policies capping study permits. The university, which serves over 6,000 students across its main campus in Langley and satellite locations in Richmond, B.C., and Ottawa, Ontario, has long relied on a diverse student body including 35% U.S. and international undergraduates as of early 2024.

This development is part of a nationwide trend affecting higher education institutions, where international tuition fees—often substantially higher than domestic rates—have been a critical revenue stream. At TWU, a distinctly Christian liberal arts university offering 48 undergraduate and 20 graduate programs, the shift has necessitated strategic realignments to maintain financial sustainability while upholding its mission of integrating faith and learning.

Federal Policy Changes Driving Enrollment Declines

The root cause lies in Canada's federal immigration policies aimed at curbing temporary residents to less than 5% of the total population by the end of 2027. Study permit allocations for international students have been drastically reduced: the 2026 cap stands at 408,000 permits, a 7% drop from 2025 and 16% lower than 2024 levels. This follows earlier caps introduced in 2024 amid concerns over housing shortages, infrastructure strain, and public sentiment against rapid population growth from student inflows.

Previously, international students comprised a booming segment of postsecondary enrollment, surging over 240% in some provinces like Ontario between 2019 and 2023. The policy reversal has led to a 60% year-over-year decline in new student arrivals by late 2025, forcing universities to revise budgets downward. For institutions like TWU, which attract students from over 70 countries, this represents not just a financial hit but a challenge to its global Christian outreach.

Details of TWU's Workforce and Budget Reductions

TWU's official communications, including announcements dated February 17 and March 2026, detail measures such as reduced work hours, contract modifications, and position closures across campus operations. While exact figures remain unconfirmed by the university, reports from community sources suggest approximately 75 staff positions may be affected, effective early March 2026. These cuts span various departments, reflecting a broad effort to align expenses with projected revenues.

President Kirk Martin emphasized gratitude for staff contributions in an internal message: "Though structures and seasons change, the influence of your faithful work endures." The university highlights its resilience, noting it has eliminated bank debt, bolstered its endowment, and sustained strong domestic undergraduate enrollment amid the turbulence.

International Students' Role in TWU's Financial Model

Historically, international students have been vital to TWU's operations. In January 2024, 35% of undergraduates were from the U.S. and abroad, contributing to a vibrant multicultural campus representing over 70 countries. These students pay tuition comparable to Canadians but often in higher volumes due to program appeal in fields like nursing, business, and theology.

The dependency mirrors a Canada-wide pattern where international fees subsidized domestic affordability and infrastructure. At TWU, the sudden drop has created a revenue shortfall, prompting reallocations despite prudent past management. For context, nationwide international enrollment fell 5.6% in 2025 alone, with some regions seeing over 50% plunges.

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Broader Impacts on Staff, Students, and the Langley Community

• Staff: Affected employees receive career transition aid, counseling, pastoral care, and extended benefits, acknowledging their dedication to TWU's mission.
• Students: Academic programs and courses proceed uninterrupted, with services hub, wellness center, and ministries prioritized for support.
• Community: As Canada's premier Christian university, TWU's cuts ripple into Langley, where staff job losses strain local networks. A staffer noted during a streamed service: "A lot of people in this community who are out of work and searching."

These human elements underscore the policy's real-world consequences beyond balance sheets.

Comparisons with Other British Columbia Institutions

TWU is not alone in British Columbia. Nearby Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Langara College are laying off hundreds due to similar enrollment shortfalls. Across Canada, colleges like Algonquin (30+ programs cut) and Saskatchewan Polytechnic face job losses and suspensions. Public institutions, prioritized in provincial attestation letters (PALs), fare slightly better than privates like TWU, but all grapple with 60% drops in new arrivals.

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Historical Context of Canada's International Student Boom and Bust

Canada's postsecondary sector exploded with international students post-2015, driven by welcoming policies and high fees subsidizing operations. By 2023, they formed 25-30% of enrollment in many provinces, funding scholarships and facilities. Housing crises and diplomatic tensions (e.g., India) prompted 2024 caps, escalating in 2025-2026. TWU, founded in 1962 as a Bible college evolving into a full university, adapted well until now.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Union Silence

TWU's People & Culture team offers support via advisors and email. Students access academic advising and wellness resources. However, the union representing staff did not comment, leaving questions on negotiations open. Community prayers and solidarity emerge, aligning with TWU's faith-based ethos. Experts note privates like TWU face steeper challenges without provincial funding buffers.

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Strategies for Resilience and Future Outlook

TWU's "TWU 2030: Every Graduate Equipped" vision focuses on endowed chairs, infrastructure, and domestic growth. Short-term: Cost savings and reallocations. Long-term: Diversifying revenue, enhancing online/hybrid offerings, and leveraging strong U.S. ties. Nationwide, universities pivot to graduate programs (some exempt) and domestic recruitment. Positive domestic enrollment at TWU signals hope.

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• Enhance domestic marketing
• Invest in high-demand programs like nursing
• Pursue partnerships (e.g., recent TEDS move)
• Maintain mission integrity

Implications for Canadian Higher Education

This crisis exposes over-reliance on international revenue, prompting debates on sustainable funding models. Governments may boost grants; institutions streamline. For Christian universities like TWU, it tests stewardship amid policy flux. Actionable insights: Monitor PAL allocations, prioritize employability for faculty jobs.

In summary, while painful, TWU's proactive steps position it for recovery. Explore higher ed jobs, rate your professors, and career advice on AcademicJobs.com.