SAIT cutting more than 30 positions, citing declining enrolment
April 17, 2026
SAIT is cutting dozens of positions, according to an internal email obtained by CBC News. The educational institution told the CBC in a statement the cuts are due to lower enrolment and shifts in government policy regarding international students.
The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) is eliminating more than 30 positions, citing budget adjustments necessitated by declining enrolment. The institution points to recent changes in federal government policies regarding international students as a primary driver for the downturn. While an internal email confirmed at least 30 job cuts, the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) has stated that 65 of its members will be impacted across 17 different departments. This move is part of a broader trend of financial strain and workforce reductions seen in post-secondary institutions across the province.
In a statement, SAIT acknowledged the impact of the federal international student policy changes, which have led to a drop in enrolment and required "difficult but necessary budget adjustments." The institution is now undergoing organizational and workforce realignments to address the financial gap. The cuts are spread across numerous areas, including student services, communications, and administration. An internal memo specified reductions in Advancement, Communications, Marketing, the Lamb Learner Success Centre, Career Advancement Services, Student Engagement, Student Development & Counselling, Academic Advising, the Library, and the Office of the Registrar. Additional departments like human resources and facilities management are also affected.
This is not the first time in recent years that SAIT has resorted to significant staff reductions. In 2020, the institution cut more than 200 jobs, also in response to budget pressures. The current round of layoffs is occurring as many Alberta post-secondary institutions grapple with a new financial reality. Having become increasingly reliant on international student tuition to offset provincial funding levels, the federal cap on international student permits has created significant revenue shortfalls. This situation is not unique to SAIT, as other institutions like NorQuest College and Bow Valley College have also recently announced job cuts.
The impact of the cuts at SAIT extends beyond eliminated positions to the suspension of some student programs. Services such as the peer mentorship program, English Language Conversations, and the LEADS student engagement program have been paused. Additionally, the alumni magazine, LINK, will transition to a fully digital format as part of the cost-saving measures. The AUPE expressed concern over the "sad reality" facing the province's post-secondary sector, noting that the lost positions range from administrative and IT roles to maintenance and other support functions.
In response to the cuts, SAIT's student union has stated it is working to ensure the student experience is not diminished and that student voices are heard during this transition. Meanwhile, the provincial Ministry of Advanced Education noted that its 2026 budget includes a three percent increase in direct operating funding for post-secondary institutions. However, unions and critics argue that this is not enough to counter the combined effects of years of provincial underfunding and the sudden drop in international student revenue, which has forced institutions like SAIT into a state of continuous restructuring and job abolishment.
Source: cbc