Selkirk College, located in southeastern B.C., has made the decision to permanently shut down a campus in Nelson, B.C., and discontinue select fine arts programs due to financial challenges stemming from federal restrictions impacting international students. The college aims to address a financial shortfall estimated between $3 million and $4 million for the upcoming 2026-27 academic year.
Amed Naqvi, the board chair of Selkirk College, emphasized that the closure of the Victoria Street campus is a tough yet necessary measure to safeguard the institution’s sustainability following alterations in federal immigration policies affecting the recruitment of international students. Due to a significant decrease of approximately 32% in full-time international student enrollment this academic year, Selkirk College has experienced an unexpected and rapid decline in tuition revenues.
The Victoria Street campus, which has been a part of Selkirk College since 2006, is capable of accommodating up to 33 students. Originally established in 1958 as the Kootenay School of the Arts before being integrated into Selkirk College, the campus holds sentimental value.
Selkirk College has announced the discontinuation of its Blacksmithing, Ceramics, and Textile Arts programs, along with a few associated community education programs offered at the Victoria Street facility. Current program enrollees will receive support until graduation, and students registered for fall 2026 programs will be refunded.
The college cited challenges in maintaining small class sizes ranging from eight to 15 students for these programs, making it difficult to achieve cost efficiencies. Additionally, the high per-student cost of equipment and supplies further complicated the financial viability of these programs.
Selkirk College confirmed that the closure will impact ten employees, including full-time, part-time, and short-term staff members. The institution is actively collaborating with unions and employees to facilitate smooth transitions in light of the campus shutdown.
This recent closure announcement follows earlier cost-cutting measures by Selkirk College, which included the closure of smaller learning centers in Kaslo and Nakusp in the spring of 2025. Similar to other post-secondary institutions in British Columbia, Selkirk College has faced staff layoffs and program reductions due to changes in international student enrollment regulations, resulting in a $9 million revenue loss for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Aside from the Nelson campus being closed, Selkirk College operates two other campuses in Nelson and one each in Trail, Grand Forks, and Castlegar.