Changes to the international student program in Canada have led one Winnipeg post-secondary institution to wind down operations.
The Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology announced on Wednesday that enrolment had dropped by more than 55 per cent, making its current financial model unsustainable.
As a result, MITT said it will wind down operations this year, with some selected programs being transferred to Red River College Polytech.
“Students remain our top priority,” said MITT in a statement. “We want to reassure students and parents that all students will be able to complete their studies.”
The school says the transition will take place over the year, with some programs and functions extending beyond this timeline under RRC Polytech’s leadership.
“We will work closely with the Province and RRC Polytech to ensure students are supported and have a clear, well-defined plan for completing their program, whether they’re in our post-secondary, high school, adult learning, or English language programming,” said MITT.
Students will continue to access the programs as they currently do, and any industry training that is underway will also continue to completion.
“We remain deeply committed to our students, our community, and to maintaining the high-quality education for which MITT is known.”
Mayor Scott Gillingham reacted to the winding down of MITT, saying it is a clear example of how sudden federal changes to immigration and international student rules can land hard at the local level.
“MITT has helped train the skilled workers Winnipeg needs, and my thoughts are with the students and staff dealing with this uncertainty,” said Gillingham.
More information and resources on the winding down of MITT will be available over the coming weeks.
Students with immediate questions and concerns can send them to transition@mitt.ca.
