Thompson Rivers University slashes 150 jobs

TRU Faces Workforce Wake-Up Call

Canada’s Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is in damage control mode. With international enrollment down 26% in just one year, the institution is cutting over 150 jobs—about 10% of its workforce—to keep finances afloat.

It’s not just a short-term fix. TRU says this is stage one of a long-haul restructuring plan that will run through 2031, reshaping the university’s size, scope, and staffing. The academic rollercoaster has begun.

Student Numbers Hit Hard

International students are the financial lifeblood of many Canadian universities, often paying higher tuition rates than domestic peers. TRU enrolled 3,150 international students this year, down from 4,282 in 2024. That decline is largely tied to Canada’s new federal immigration policies, which tightened visa approvals and capped study permits.

The ripple effect is real. Less tuition means less revenue, and TRU is staring down a $20–25 million shortfall starting in fiscal year 2026–27. With employee pay and benefits accounting for 65% of the university’s costs, staff compensation is the obvious target.

TRU has also hinted that programs with fewer than five students could face the chopping block. It’s the cold calculus of higher education: if students aren’t signing up, the course won’t survive.

The Long Road Ahead

President Dr. Airini made it clear this isn’t a one-time adjustment. Phase one, running until 2028, is focused on “living within our means” through layoffs, hiring freezes, and program cuts. Phase two, from 2028 to 2031, will be about redefining TRU’s academic and operational model for a leaner, more sustainable future.

That means the pain isn’t over. October’s board meeting is expected to bring more details on which departments and programs are next in line.

The broader picture? TRU isn’t alone. Universities across Canada are facing similar enrollment cliffs, as international students—who once made up over 20% of Canada’s postsecondary population—are caught in the crossfire of immigration crackdowns. Schools from Ontario to British Columbia are bracing for similar cuts, setting up what could be a long winter for higher education jobs.

For faculty and staff, TRU’s shakeup is a reminder that education isn’t immune to market forces. Enrollment swings, policy changes, and funding gaps can translate directly into layoffs—even in a sector once seen as stable.

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