York University Temporarily Pauses Admissions to Select Programs Amid Financial Challenges

York University has announced a temporary pause on new admissions to several academic programs starting Fall 2025. The decision addresses low enrollment and financial pressures linked to recent provincial and federal policy changes affecting higher education.

Why Is York University Pausing Admissions?

University spokesperson Yanni Dagonas said the move aims to help York achieve financial sustainability. Federal cuts to international student visas and Ontario’s continued tuition freeze have impacted enrollment and revenue. York plans to review and strengthen the affected programs during this pause.

Impact on Current and Future Students

Current students in the affected programs will continue their studies with full support to meet graduation requirements.
Elective courses within these programs will remain available.
New admissions to these programs are suspended starting fall 2025.

List of Affected Programs

The programs facing temporary suspension include:

Glendon College Programs:
- English
- Global History and Justice
- Spanish and Latin American Cultures
- Sociology
Other Programs:
- Spanish
- Gender and Women’s Studies
- Indigenous Studies
- Jewish Studies
- Religious Studies
- Classics and Classical Studies
- East Asian Studies
- German Studies
- Hellenic Studies
- Italian Studies
- Portuguese and Brazilian Studies
- Biomedical Physics
- Environmental Biology

Broader Context

York University is the first Canadian university to announce such significant program suspensions. This follows the federal government’s decision to reduce international student visas by 10%, lowering the target to 437,000 permits for 2025-2026.

International student tuition has become vital for Canadian post-secondary institutions. The visa cap has led to reduced international enrollment, affecting universities’ revenue streams.

In Ontario, which houses over 40% of Canada’s university system, provincial funding remains the lowest per student among provinces. The 2019 tuition freeze and cutbacks under Premier Doug Ford have further strained institutions.

Similar Moves Across Ontario

York isn’t alone.

Centennial College: Suspended 49 programs in response to the federal cap.
Sheridan College: Put 40 programs on hold and laid off staff due to declining enrollment.

Alex Usher, president of Higher Education Strategy Associates, warns that over 1,000 college programs in Ontario could face closures, reducing educational choices for students.

For more details and program updates, visit York University’s official website.

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