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College of the North Atlantic (CNA) has welcomed 5,544 students for Fall 2026, with additional intakes expected throughout the academic year.
Domestic enrolment has remained relatively unchanged, with 5,300 students enrolled this fall compared with 5,295 last year. Of the college’s total student population, 93.6 per cent are Newfoundland and Labrador residents, while two per cent are from other Canadian provinces and territories.
CNA is also continuing to expand its program delivery options to make education more accessible to students. In Fall 2026, 31.1 per cent of students are enrolled in blended or online learning formats, up from 29.6 per cent last year.
“Newfoundland and Labrador is entering an exciting period of opportunity, with significant potential for growth across a range of industries and communities,” said Fergus O’Brien, Acting President & CEO. “CNA is committed to making education more accessible and responsive to students' evolving needs and aspirations. Through flexible learning options that offer greater choice in how, where and when they learn, we are helping more people across Newfoundland and Labrador gain the skills and experience to build successful futures.”
The college continues to feel the effects of federal immigration and post-graduation work permit (PGWP) policy changes, which have contributed to a significant decline in international enrolment.
International enrolment has declined to 244 students, a 57.6 per cent decrease from Fall 2025 and the second consecutive year of decline following a record high of 930 students in Fall 2024. International students now represent 4.4 per cent of CNA’s total enrolment, compared with 9.8 per cent last year.
Enrolment across most of CNA’s schools remained relatively stable, though the School of Business & Information Technology’s enrolment is down by 291 students (19.4 per cent). This decrease is largely attributed to federal immigration and PGWP policy changes, with 282 fewer international business students enrolled this fall.
Despite the decline, CNA continues to welcome students from around the world. This fall, international students represent 32 countries and are attending campuses in every region of the province, with the largest groups coming from Nigeria, India and Ghana.
While this represents a decrease of 5.6 per cent in overall enrolment compared with last year, the college expects another 288 students to enroll in scheduled program intakes throughout the remainder of the academic year, with additional enrolment anticipated through winter and spring backfilling activities.
CNA continues to respond to evolving student and workforce needs through updated program offerings. This academic year, the college has introduced revised programs in Advanced Care Paramedicine, Applied Music, Graphic Design, Pharmacy Technician, Sound Recording & Production, Systems & Network Administration, and Television & Film Producing.
“Our programs are continually reviewed and updated to reflect changing industry needs and emerging opportunities,” said O’Brien. “By working with employers and communities, we can ensure students have access to the education and hands-on training needed to contribute to Newfoundland and Labrador’s workforce and economy.”
For more information about programs and opportunities at CNA, visit www.cna.nl.ca.
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Media Contact
Ryan Crocker
Manager of Communications
P: (709) 699-8981
E: ryan.crocker@cna.nl.ca