Budget briefing outlines the balanced plan and measures that support long‑term stability.
Note: This message is presented as it was originally shared with the college community and may no longer reflect the most current information. For the latest updates and details, please visit Camosun’s Future.
Special CamNews
Across Canada, colleges and universities face significant pressures due to the sharp decline in international student enrolment coupled with rising costs, and other external factors such as tariff wars, global unrest, and a damaged international reputation.
Looking back to 2023/24, the college had a budget surplus of $2.3 million due to the highest international student enrolment we’d ever seen in Winter 2024. Things were finally looking positive post-pandemic.
In the 2024/25 budget, the college initially projected a $1.6 million surplus with the goal of continuing to replenish reserves and reinvesting in priority areas. Modest growth in international student numbers was based on 2023/24 trends and capacity within visa caps. Then, things changed.
Policy changes to the international student program
The federal government announced 13 significant policy changes over 10 months, resulting in an unexpected and rapid decline in international student enrolments. The college is now projecting 1,200 international students in September 2025, compared to an expected 2,200 in September 2024. The cumulative revenue shortfall moved from an initial estimate of over $5 million to at least $11 million.
Managing the revenue loss in 2024/25
In October 2024, the college introduced cost-saving measures, including essential expenditures and strategic hiring, as well as paring back recent strategic investments. One-time revenue and contingencies offset some of the tuition loss, however, the further decline in international enrolment numbers for winter and into the next year required a move to workforce adjustments. These included restructuring school leadership and redistributing the former portfolio of the Enrolment and Community Engagement division. This work continues into the next fiscal, including matching classroom and other student support capacity to demand.
The goal has been to preserve programs and services for students, while we responsibly manage our budget.
A balanced budget in 2025/26
The college’s Board of Governors has approved our fiscal 2025/26 budget with total revenue of $171,955,297 and total expenditure of $171,955,297 resulting in a balanced budget. The international enrolment decline and offsetting expense reduction plan are included in the budget, and revenue and expense targets are realistic and achievable.
While the college has approval from the B.C. government to run deficits in 2024/25 and 2025/26, this is based on our deficit mitigation plan and a commitment to work towards a balanced position. Our deficit mitigation strategy has several parts. We are working to grow domestic enrolment, develop new revenue streams, and curb discretionary spending. Because salaries and benefits represent 79 per cent of our costs, some staffing measures – leaving vacancies unfilled, shortening certain term contracts, and, only when unavoidable, issuing layoffs – are also required. As you know, the is already underway, and we expect a clear picture of the rest of the workforce adjustments by the end of June and full implementation by the end of August. Since this work is continuing into 2025/26, we may still be in a deficit position at the end of the fiscal year.
Running a deficit may provide temporary relief to our current financial challenge but doesn’t solve the problem, and it reduces our capacity to meet current and future financial obligations. We must continue to move quickly and demonstrate that we are working to reduce our expenses to match reduced revenue and avoid a deficit.
View the 2025/26 consolidated budget summary ʶٹ
Raising awareness and advocacy
We have shared our concerns with the ministry, local MLAs, MPs, and our community partners. This includes the Premier and Minister. Through BC Colleges and Colleges and Institutes Canada, we are collaborating with other colleges to raise awareness and advocate for further policy adjustments that will support students, institutions, and the province. Ministry and Finance staff are committed to helping us navigate the challenges, but there is no additional funding.
It’s important to acknowledge that the last few months have been extremely tough on our employees. There is still a lot of hard work ahead but our focus as a college must always be on student success.
Camosun's Future
Find out how Camosun is protecting programs and keeping student supports strong while responsibly managing its budget.
Contact information
Rodney Porter
Executive Director, Communications and Marketing