As our budget process for 2026-2027 continues, I am writing to provide an update on our enrolment planning and academic programming for the coming year.
A key part of our annual integrated budget process is studying enrolment trends and projections and adjusting program intakes accordingly. While there is typically a natural ebb and flow to academic programming over time, over the past two years we’ve also had to adapt to the ongoing enrolment shifts driven by sweeping federal policy changes first enacted in 2023-2024. As we know, the impacts of these changes are being felt in a disproportionate way across our academic schools. For 2026-2027, we will be pausing new intakes for some programs, while introducing six new programs that respond to employer and student demand.
Decisions around academic programs are always data-driven, and we use three key criteria when considering intake changes: the market demand for the program; the student experience we’re able to provide within the program; and financial viability.
Based on this review, the following programs will see a pause on new intakes. These programs will continue to run for existing students and will be reassessed based on ongoing enrolment trends:
Spring 2026:
- Supply Chain Management;
- Gerontology;
- Social Media Management.
Fall 2026
- Honours Bachelor of Business Administration – Human Resources;
- Honours Bachelor of Business Administration – Hospitality;
- Electronics Engineering Technician and Technology;
- Protection, Security and Investigation – Private Security;
- Community and Justice Services;
- Exercise Science for Health and Performance;
- Commercial Cannabis Production.
New for 2026 – 2027
With the critical importance of enrolment growth, Niagara College has committed to accelerating the development of new academic programs that respond to existing and emerging employment trends and technologies. This is reflected in seven new programs that will be offered in 2026-2027:
- Defence Systems Engineering Technician (two-year diploma) and Technology (three-year diploma);
- Cybersecurity (Graduate Certificate);
- Addictions and Mental Health (Graduate Certificate);
- Early Childhood Education – Resource Consulting (Graduate Certificate);
- Professional Butchery Techniques (one-year certificate);
- Medical Esthetics (Graduate Certificate).
This year we will also see the return of our Event Management (Graduate Certificate) program that was paused during the pandemic. For Winter 2027, we will also introduce an online delivery of the Human Resources Management (Graduate Certificate) program.
With enrolment growth as a key priority, we will continue to explore opportunities to expand capacity in high-demand areas, and identify opportunities for new programs that respond to current and emerging labour needs.
If you have questions regarding program changes or new programs, please contact your Associate Dean or Dean.
