Important academic program updates at RRC Polytech
Over the last two years, RRC Polytech – and post-secondary institutions across Canada – has experienced the impact of immigration changes from the federal government resulting in ongoing reduction of international student enrolment and reduced English language training funding. These changes, along with shifting domestic enrolment trends in some programs and increased program delivery costs, have had direct impacts on operations and financial stability at RRC Polytech. These impacts have both immediate and long-term financial implications that we must responsibly address.
RRC Polytech undertook a comprehensive Academic Planning Process for the 2026–27 academic year to prioritize our program delivery efforts and ensure we can continue to deliver the training Manitobans rely on. This data‑informed review considered application and enrolment trends, labour market needs, and the cost of delivering programs.
As a result of this process, and concurrent budget planning, RRC Polytech has made difficult decisions affecting program delivery.
Programs permanently ceasing:
- Professional Sales and Strategic Marketing (Certificate)
- Applied Accounting (Certificate)
- Hospitality Business Management (Diploma)
- CNC Machining and Advanced Technology (Diploma)
- Professional Photography (Certificate)
- Full Stack Web Development (Diploma)
- Full Stack Web Development (Certificate)
Programs temporarily ceasing:
- Applied Commerce Education – Integrated (Degree)
- Applied Commerce Education – After‑Degree (Degree)
- Applied Commerce Education – Accelerated (Diploma)
- Pharmaceutical and Food Manufacturing (Certificate)
Programs with reduced seat capacity or sections:
- Application Development and Delivery (Diploma)
- Creative Communications (Diploma)
- English for Academic and Professional Purposes (non‑credential)
All current students in these programs will be supported in completing their programs with no interruption to their studies.
The RRC Polytech community was informed of these decisions earlier and are being supported through this process. RRC Polytech is focused on supporting affected students, providing clear information about program pathways, and working closely with partners as these changes are implemented.
While the 2026 provincial budget includes welcomed investments in areas such as healthcare training and apprenticeships, broader financial pressures remain across the post‑secondary sector. These decisions are part of RRC Polytech’s responsibility to remain sustainable and aligned with Manitoba’s workforce needs.
Our focus as an institution continues to be alignment with Manitoba’s workforce needs and training learners who can begin to make an immediate impact in their industries and communities upon graduation.
