International student #’s down for CNC

PRINCE GEORGE – Prior to the pandemic, international students made up 40% of the student body at the College of New Caledonia. But the college anticipates that number will be much lower this year.

“Our numbers will be less. We’re watching our enrolment numbers and targets,” explains Shelley Carter-Rose, Vice President of Student Affairs. “But there are some factors that are affecting new [international] student enrolment, which is primarily visas.”

However, she says enrolment for domestic students is on the rise at the college. But the drop in international students will bring the college more in line with peer institutions. “It really grew fast. In most colleges and universities, their targets are somewhere between 15% and 20%. It’s a good, balanced approach. It gives diversity. But we grew really fast. And now it’s starting to come back to a level number.”