International enrolment at Mohawk College plummeted 76 per cent in three years. Now, it’s ‘moving forward’

(November 12, 2026) Mohawk College lost more than three-quarters of its international enrolments over three years following the introduction of a federal cap, a plunge that has strained the Hamilton institution’s finances.

But president Paul Armstrong says the college has reached a “steady state” and is again growing.

Mohawk is growing, ‘moving forward,’ president says

Earlier this year, post-secondary institutions got some relief in the form of a new funding model tied in part to performance rather than just enrolment.

That, plus a reorganization that cut nearly $90 million in expenses over two years, has the college projecting a $5-million surplus — a position Armstrong expects to keep for the “next couple of years.”

The college has increased domestic tuition fees by the allowed two per cent after the province lifted a seven-year freeze, Mohawk spokesperson Sean Coffey said.

The increase, the first since tuition was reduced by 10 per cent and frozen in 2018, added $500,000 to the college’s bottom line, he added.

Mohawk and McMaster alike have seen bumps in domestic enrolment, and more student seats are expected.

Read the full story in The Hamilton Spectator: International enrolment at Mohawk College plummeted 76 per cent in three years. Now, it’s ‘moving forward’

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