October 2, 2026

Times Higher Education has released its 2027 World University Rankings, which assess 2,297 institutions from around the globe in the areas of teaching, research, industry, and international outlook. The University of Toronto was Canada’s top university (#22 globally), followed by McGill University (#43) and the University of British Columbia (#44). Relative to 2026, these rankings represent slight decreases for U of T and McGill, and a rise of one position for UBC. Other Canadian institutions in the top 200 globally include McMaster University (tied for #116), the University of Alberta (tied for #118), the Université de Montréal (#132), the University of Waterloo (#178), the University of Calgary (tied for #185), and the University of Ottawa (tied for #185).

Statistics Canada has released data on postsecondary enrolments and graduates in 2024/2025 deriving from its annual Postsecondary Student Information System survey. This is the first year’s data that reflects the federal changes to study permits. International enrolment declined by 6.9% since 2023/2024, which was offset by an increase in domestic enrolment of 2.1% to yield a net enrolment increase of 0.1%. Declines in international enrolment occurred across most fields, with the notable exception of health care (+6.9% colleges, +3% universities). The number of graduating students also increased in the 2024 calendar year, with graduates from short-cycle tertiary programs outpacing bachelor’s or equivalent programs by approximately 60,000 graduates.

Brendan Nyhan (Dartmouth College) and Jeffrey A Friedman (Dartmouth College) have outlined three strategies that instructors can use to counter AI and confidently assign research papers. These strategies include requiring students to complete their entire paper in a shared Google doc, pairing assignments with an oral or written exam that asks questions about the paper, and using AI-detection software. They explain that using these methods alongside clear policies and holding students accountable can deter AI use because they disincentivize cheating and make it easier for students to complete the work themselves.

Northern Lights College, North Island College, and Selkirk College have partnered to strengthen the province’s health care and human services workforce through expanded access to Selkirk’s Mental Health and Substance Use Training Program. Students will complete online courses through Selkirk before completing a five-week practicum coordinated by their local college. Graduates will receive a Selkirk certificate while building local connections and work experience. “This partnership gives students an opportunity to develop the skills needed to support people experiencing mental health and substance use challenges while remaining connected to their families, workplaces and communities,” said NLC Health Sciences and Human Services Dean Nicole Dahlen. The partnership’s first cohort begins in January.

Several postsecondary institutions recently announced Indigenous-focused spaces on campus. Cégep de Chicoutimi inaugurated a shaputuan that is located in its inner courtyard. The space will be focused on promoting dialogue and cultural sharing between Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members. Nipissing University unveiled a four-season outdoor classroom, which will support cultural programming and strengthen engagement with nature. Saint Paul University broke ground on the renewal of the Chantal Beauvais Courtyard. This space will integrate a healing garden attached to the Indigenous Centre with a natural outdoor amphitheatre.

The University of Guelph plans to make changes in response to chaotic homecoming festivities that took place last week. “The University of Guelph is deeply disappointed by what occurred, and we are clear that this cannot happen again,” said UoGuelph President Rene Van Acker. In a statement to the community, Van Acker said the university plans to work closely with community partners “to review what occurred, assess where the current approach must change, and identify additional measures needed to prevent similar incidents, reduce risk and better support community safety.”

Ahuntsic College is launching a new AEC program in financial technology and AI. The Technologie financière et intelligence artificielle program will teach students how to develop, analyze, and deploy technological solutions that are tailored for the financial sector. It will offer a practical, applied approach, ensuring that students develop skills in areas such as programming, financial data analysis and visualization, and data security. Graduates will be prepared for careers at financial institutions, fintech companies, and more.

Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick and George Brown Polytechnic have both suspended programs for the upcoming year. At CCNB, the college’s annual music contest CCNB sur Scène has been paused for one year in response to the closure of the college’s event management program. The college intends to use the pause to reflect on the future of the event. Meanwhile, George Brown will not accept jewelry and gemmology students in 2027–28 following the suspension of the Jewelry Essentials program, which was the last remaining jewelry and gemmology program at the polytechnic. In a statement to CityNews, George Brown said that the decision was made in response to program costs and challenges in the broader postsecondary sector.

Several postsecondary institutions have announced new student-focused spaces. Part of Redeemer University’s library has been renovated to provide a space for accessible learning support and academic accommodations. The location includes accessible technology spaces and additional testing spots. Cambrian College and IONIC Mechatronics partnered on 10 instrumentation workstations for use by students in the college’s engineering programs. Lambton College has launched the Hub for Sustainable Food Innovation, which will support research in food production, packaging, and safety, and provide hands-on experiences to students.

St Francis Xavier University will be removing the ice surfaces at its Keating Centre after a fire earlier this week. The electrical fire was contained to the ice plant room, but it damaged the system that makes and maintains the ice. The ice surfaces, which were used by StFX community members as well as members of the Antigonish community, will be removed until the system is replaced. StFX said that it expects to not have ice for the foreseeable future.