The past year has brought substantial changes to the Canadian post-secondary landscape. Restrictions on international students have created major financial challenges for many institutions. As campuses make difficult decisions about cutting programs and personnel, one question continues to surface: Can developing or expanding online programs help reverse declining enrolments while improving access for more Canadians?
As institutions consider how online learning can grow enrolments and improve access to education, this report presents research to support informed decision-making. It draws on data from the 2025 Digital Learning Trends Survey conducted by the Canadian Digital Learning Research ssociation (CDLRA), with insights specific to online learning.
Key report findings from the 2025 survey
Report author and Executive Director of CDLRA Dr. Nicole Johnson highlights several important trends:
- Online growth expectations remain steady
- Financial pressures impact modality choices for institutions and learners
- Faculty confidence in online teaching skills is strong
- Faculty interest in online teaching continues to rise
- Tracking workforce outcomes by modality is increasingly critical
Why online learning matters
Throughout this joint report from Risepoint and CDLRA, the survey findings continually demonstrate that online courses and programs are essential for meeting the needs of some students. Rather than replacing in-person options, online offerings complement them — helping institutions attract and serve a broader, more diverse demographic.
This demand for flexibility connects directly to a larger goal. As institutional and business sector leaders focus on future-proofing and strengthening economic prosperity, expanding online programs, courses, and microcredentials creates a powerful new pathway. By increasing access to education, these offerings prepare more Canadians to contribute to the country’s productivity and long-term growth.
Download the report, Navigating Online Learning’s Next Chapter in Canada, see how institutions are adapting to financial pressures, shifting student needs, and evolving faculty preference.
About CDLRA
The Canadian Digital Learning Research Association (CDLRA) is a non-profit organization that conducts applied research to advance knowledge about digital learning strategies, policies, and practices in close collaboration with Canadian post-secondary institutions and affiliated organizations. Since 2017, the CDLRA has been Canada’s top research body for tracking the development of online and digital learning in public post-secondary institutions. The CDLRA’s research findings help inform planning, strategy, and policy within the Canadian post-secondary sector.
Risepoint is a proud supporter of CDLRA’s research initiatives. Learn more at cdlra-acrfl.ca
