No more study in Canada for Indian students? Canadian colleges struggle as international student enrollment plummets

Earlier this year, Canada imposed a cap on international students by restricting the issuance of study permits. This move has thrown Canadian colleges and universities into turmoil, causing a significant decline in student numbers and raising fears of severe budget cuts.

A study permit, issued by the Canadian government, is essential for foreign nationals wishing to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada.

Also read: Explained: Canada's Cap On New Study Permits & How It Will Impact Indian Students

Indian students make up the largest segment of the international student population in Canada, accounting for 37 percent last year.

This year, a new cap on study permits has led to a dramatic drop in international student numbers, which faculty members are calling a "crisis" due to the "sudden and overwhelming drop" in enrollment.

Langara College President Paula Burns revealed a staggering 79 percent decrease in international student applications for the spring of 2025 compared to the previous year.

Representational image/ BCCL

This sharp decline threatens to impact wages, benefits, and job stability for faculty members, as highlighted in a group email to instructors.

This is also because international students face tuition fees that can be up to four times higher than those for domestic students. For example, at the University of British Columbia, international students pay about $45,000 (Rs 37.67 lakhs) annually, nearly five times the cost for domestic students.

Langara College, with its high proportion of international students¡ª37 percent of its student body¡ªhad always seen significant enrollment, with approximately 7,500 international students last year, primarily from India.

The Canadian government's decision to cap international student numbers is largely due to the strain that their surge has placed on housing, healthcare, and other services.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller had explained that the measures are intended to ensure that incoming students receive the quality of education they were promised and the resources needed for success, rather than being overwhelmed by the system.

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