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No. of full-time international students in Canada fell by 124,000 since 2023-24
Statistics Canada released preliminary estimates showing a steep decline in full-time international students in Canada’s public postsecondary institutions. From 2023/2024 to 2025/2026, the total fell by about 124,000 (roughly one-third), returning to levels last seen in 2021/2022. College programmes were hardest hit with a 42% decline, while university enrolment fell 17%; Indians remained the largest source country, with study permits issued in 2025 down about 25% and India accounting for 72% of the decrease.
Why It Matters
The figures indicate a sharp reversal in Canada’s international education growth, with potential implications for universities, colleges, and related sectors that rely on international student enrolment.
Timeline
1 Event
Statistics Canada releases preliminary international student estimates for 2024/2025 and 2025/2026
May 5, 2026
Statistics Canada reports a 4% decline in full-time international students in 2024/2025 and a 26% decline in 2025/2026 in public postsecondary institutions, bringing the total to about 300,000 in 2025/2026 and roughly matching levels seen in 2021/2022. Since 2023/2024, the overall drop amounts to 124,000. College programmes declined by 42% from 2023/2024, while university enrolment fell by 17% in the same period. Indians remained the largest source country; study permits issued in 2025 fell by nearly 25% (131,010) from 2024, with Indians accounting for 72% of that decline. Indian permit numbers fell from 188,175 in 2024 to 94,605 in 2025. Preliminary results suggest new government measures led to a sharp decline in new cohorts of international students and, to a lesser extent, total international student enrolment.