Conestoga College: Balancing Financial Success and Institutional Changes in 2025
Financial Success Amid Institutional Changes
Conestoga College has reported a significant $121 million surplus in its 2024-2025 fiscal year, despite a challenging period marked by staff layoffs, program cuts, and reduced international student enrollment.
According to the college’s associate director of corporate communications, Erika Kastner, this surplus resulted from ‘careful planning and responsible financial management,’ though she acknowledges the institution is navigating ‘the biggest financial crisis in the history of the Ontario public post-secondary education system.’
Operational Restructuring and Challenges
The college has undergone significant restructuring, including the dismissal of four high-level employees and the layoff of 190 support staff. Additionally, the institution has suspended 82 programs. These changes come in response to Ontario’s international student cap, which has affected many colleges across the province, with Conestoga experiencing a 50 percent reduction in student intake.
Future Investments and Developments
Despite projecting a deficit for 2025-2026, the college plans to invest $145 million in capital projects. The institution has received substantial support from the Ontario government, including a $6.9 million investment over three years for expanded enrollment in trades and engineering programs, aimed at ensuring a highly skilled workforce for building stronger communities.
Student Services and Support
The college is adapting its student services, with changes including reduced shuttle routes for the Spring semester (May-August 2025) and a temporary pause in the Student Nutritional Access program (SNAP), with updates expected by August 15.
As a leader in polytechnic education, Conestoga continues to play a crucial role in addressing Canada’s skilled trades shortage through hands-on, career-focused training, offering comprehensive programs that provide pathways to employment in trades careers, pre-apprenticeship training, and in-school training for apprentices.
