Canada Sees Significant Drop in Full-Time International Students
No. of full-time international students in Canada fell by 124,000 since 2023-24
Hindustan Times
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The number of full-time international students in Canada has plummeted by 124,000 since the 2023-2024 academic year, marking a nearly 33% decline. This drop brings enrollment levels back to those seen during the Covid-19 pandemic, with Indian students particularly affected, accounting for 72% of the fall.
- 01Full-time international student numbers in Canada fell by nearly one-third since 2023-2024.
- 02Enrollment levels are now similar to those during the Covid-19 pandemic.
- 03College programs experienced the most significant decline, down 42%.
- 04Indian students represent the largest group affected, with a 25% drop in study permits.
- 05Government measures are linked to the decline in new international student cohorts.
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A recent study by Statistics Canada reveals that the number of full-time international students in Canada has decreased by 124,000 since the 2023-2024 academic year, representing a nearly 33% drop. This decline brings enrollment levels back to those recorded during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study indicates that the number of international students fell by 4% in 2024/2025 and by 26% in 2025/2026, resulting in a total of approximately 300,000 international students by 2025-2026, similar to the figures from the 2021-2022 academic year. College programs were particularly hard-hit, suffering a 42% decline, while university enrollment dropped by 17%. Notably, Indian students, who are the largest group of international students in Canada, saw a 25% reduction in study permits, contributing to 72% of the overall decline. The study suggests that recent government measures have contributed to this sharp decrease in new international student cohorts.
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The decline in international students could affect the financial stability of Canadian educational institutions and reduce diversity on campuses.
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