The number of places at Perth College has been slashed by more than 2,000 in just five years.
Since the 2008-09 academic year, the number of part-time courses has dropped by 36%, with just 195 full-time places added in their place.
The figures were revealed by the Auditor General for Scotland.
The cuts have been branded “wholly unacceptable” by Murdo Fraser, and the Mid Scotland and Fife MSP is calling on the SNP Government to reverse its colleges strategy.
However, the college insists the cuts are due to changes in demand.
Mr Fraser believes that part-time courses are vital for people wanting to work while they study, single parents and women returning to the workplace after having children.
He said: “Youngsters across Perth and Kinross are being short-changed thanks to Scottish Government policies that are overly focused on university learners, to the detriment of college learners.
“Perth College offers over 270 part-time courses but the number of places available in them has reduced by 36% since 2008-9.
“In practice, that means fewer students are being accepted to study worthy qualifications like accountancy and engineering.
“Cutting part-time courses is denying people the opportunity to study in a way that is flexible to them.
“Young mothers and those already in work who are looking to improve their skill set are being shut off from education, which goes against almost every piece of evidence we have.
“The Scottish Government’s approach to colleges, which has resulted in their funding slashed, is also failing businesses, who are worried about a skills shortage. SNP ministers in Edinburgh must explain what they are doing to turn this around, as too many people are being denied the opportunity to have a first-class education.”
A spokeswoman for Perth College said: “We have reacted to market demand, the economic employment situation and funding changes to provide curriculum which is appropriate to the needs of the community.
“Our overall numbers have grown by 1,080 FTE (full-time equivalent) over this period, and we continue to value our part-time courses and leisure provision across Perth and Kinross in our learning centres, community, distance learning and work places.
“Our support for work-based, part-time study has increased with the development of increased numbers of modern apprentices.”
Founded in 1961, the institution was first called Perth Technical College. It gained university status in 2011, after becoming part of the University of the Highlands and Islands, allowing it to award degrees for university courses.