The Latest Wave of Program Suspensions at Fanshawe College

Fanshawe College, one of Ontario's largest community colleges located in London, has announced the permanent suspension of nine additional programs, effective primarily for the fall 2026 semester. This move comes as the institution grapples with escalating financial pressures, including a projected deficit exceeding $50 million in the upcoming fiscal year. The decision affects aspiring professionals in fields like dental assisting and visual effects editing, highlighting the broader challenges facing Canadian postsecondary institutions amid declining enrollments.

These suspensions build on previous actions: 40 programs halted in spring 2025 and another 10 late last year, totaling nearly 60 programs now off-limits for new students. Current enrollees in these programs will be allowed to complete their studies with full support, but no new intakes will occur, signaling a strategic pivot to more sustainable offerings.

Complete List of the Nine Newly Suspended Programs

The affected programs span diverse sectors, from health care to creative industries and technology. Here's the breakdown:

• Advanced Ergonomics
• Dental Assisting
• Game Development – Advanced Programming
• Manufacturing Engineering Technician (Co-op)
• Photography Advanced
• Software and Information Systems Testing (Co-op)
• Technical Systems Analysis (Co-op)
• User Experience Design
• Visual Effects and Editing for Contemporary Media

These programs were selected based on criteria including low enrollment trends, high delivery costs relative to revenue, post-graduate work permit eligibility, and alignment with current labor market demands. For instance, dental assisting involves specialized equipment and clinical training that inflate operational expenses, outpacing tuition and grant income.

Prospective students interested in similar fields can explore alternatives at other Ontario colleges or universities. Fanshawe is redirecting applicants to viable options within its portfolio where possible.

Historical Context: From 40 to 59 Suspended Programs

The current cuts are part of a multi-year effort that began in earnest last spring. In April 2025, Fanshawe suspended intakes for 40 programs across its London, St. Thomas, Woodstock, and Simcoe/Norfolk campuses, citing a dramatic enrollment plunge. Examples from that list included Fine Art, Fire Inspection and Fire Safety Education, and Food and Beverage Management, many of which catered heavily to international students.

Late 2025 saw another 10 programs axed, further streamlining the curriculum. Cumulatively, these changes represent nearly a quarter of Fanshawe's once-robust 220+ program lineup, reflecting a necessary but painful reconfiguration.Fanshawe's program suspensions Q&A provides transparency on the process.

Root Causes: The International Student Cap and Enrollment Collapse

At the heart of Fanshawe's fiscal woes is Canada's federal cap on international student study permits, introduced in January 2024 and tightened further for 2026. Ontario colleges, including Fanshawe, relied heavily on high-tuition international students—Fanshawe alone had over 11,700 permits approved in 2023. Now, full-time enrollment is forecasted to drop 18% for 2026/27, from 42,946 to 35,233 students, with international numbers plummeting over 50% year-over-year.

The policy aims to address housing shortages and program quality but has triggered widespread revenue losses—over $4.6 billion across Ontario postsecondary institutions. Many suspended programs were niche or intl-focused, unable to sustain themselves without that revenue stream.

This mirrors a province-wide crisis: colleges like Algonquin, Canadore, and Saskatchewan Polytechnic are suspending programs and cutting jobs amid similar deficits.

Financial Breakdown: Deficits Projected to Hit $54 Million

Fanshawe's current-year deficit stands at $26.5 million, ballooning to $50.6 million next year and $54.1 million in 2027-28. Despite Ontario's $6.4 billion postsecondary investment over four years—ending the 2018 tuition freeze—these funds fall short of bridging the gap created by enrollment shortfalls.

College officials emphasize that program-specific costs, like lab equipment for dental assisting or software for visual effects, exacerbate imbalances.

Impacts on Students: Support for Current Enrollees, Uncertainty for Newcomers

Current students in suspended programs receive priority: they can finish with unchanged quality, including credential completion. However, prospective applicants face redirection, potentially delaying careers in high-demand areas like dental assisting, where London offices warn of shortages. "Dental assistants are the glue of a dental office," notes Melanie Rozhko, a local dental hygiene student.

Filmmaking aspirants like Hailey Watson express disappointment: "I'll have to re-evaluate my situation." Fanshawe commits to alternative placements, but broader access to creative and health programs may strain other institutions.

For those affected, exploring Canadian higher ed opportunities or higher education jobs can provide pathways forward.

Job Losses and Faculty Concerns

Beyond programs, Fanshawe plans 163 additional layoffs, bringing total cuts to around 500 since last spring—roughly 35% of its workforce. Faculty unions highlight the human cost, with Ontario colleges facing nearly 10,000 job losses province-wide. These measures, including voluntary exit packages, aim to avert deeper insolvency but raise questions about instructional quality.

Recent cuts saved $500,000 from the nine programs without immediate staff reductions, as instructors integrate into core offerings.

Stakeholder Reactions: From Students to Politicians

London NDP MPP Teresa Armstrong blames provincial underfunding: "When programs disappear, it affects the future workforce our region depends on." Student unions echo concerns over community impacts, though specific Fanshawe Student Union statements are limited. College VP Academic Susan Cluett defends the moves: "These decisions ensure the future financial health of the college."

Broader outcry focuses on the federal cap's unintended consequences for domestic training.

The Ontario College Sector in Turmoil

Fanshawe's plight exemplifies a systemic issue: Ontario colleges lost $2.5 billion from intl declines, prompting dozens of suspensions and layoffs. Institutions like Northern College and Loyalist face similar fates, with consultants urging asset sales and staff reductions. Federal plans cap permits at 150,000 annually by 2027, prioritizing in-demand fields.

Government Responses and Funding Gaps

Ontario's $6.4B pledge includes per-student boosts, but college leaders like Fanshawe President Peter Devlin seek $1.5B annually to close a $5,200 structural deficit per domestic student. Critics argue the Ford government's prior tuition freeze compounded vulnerabilities.

Future Outlook: Adaptation and Opportunities

While painful, these cuts position Fanshawe for sustainability, focusing on high-enrollment, market-aligned programs. Emerging fields like AI and sustainability may see investment. Students can pivot to universities or other colleges; for example, dental assisting pathways exist via bridging programs elsewhere.

Check Rate My Professor for instructor insights or higher ed career advice for resumes and job hunts.

Photo by Sodium Carbonate on Unsplash

Actionable Advice for Affected Students and Professionals

1. Contact Fanshawe advising for alternatives.
2. Research similar programs at Ontario institutions.
3. Build skills via online certs in UX design or game dev.
4. Explore faculty jobs or university positions if qualified.
5. Use free resume templates for transitions.

For job seekers, AcademicJobs.com higher ed jobs lists openings across Canada. In conclusion, while Fanshawe's program suspensions underscore fiscal realities, proactive adaptation opens doors to resilient careers. Stay informed and leverage resources for success.