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A big change for students hoping to study in Canada

In 2025, Canada saw a huge drop in the number of new international students arriving. The number of study permits issued fell by more than 70 % compared to the same period last year. This sharp decline means thousands of young people who hoped to study in Canada must now wait or look for other options.

What the numbers show

Between January and June 2024, Canada granted 125,034 study permits. But in the same months of 2025, only 36,417 new study permits were approved. That’s a drop of nearly 90,000 fewer students. The biggest fall came in March, when just 3,819 permits were issued, compared with 45,806 in April 2024. In April 2025, that number rose slightly to 8,543, but May and June stayed low at 4,553 and 4,185, respectively.

Why this drop is happening

Canada tightened the rules for international students. In 2024, the government set a yearly cap on the number of study permits. For 2025, they lowered that cap by another 10 %. Starting last year, students also need a special letter from the province or territory they plan to study in. That step slowed down many applications. Earlier in 2024, Canada made students in certain programs no longer eligible for open work permits after graduation, unless they were enrolled in college or bachelor’s degrees. All these changes made it harder for students to qualify.

What it means for students around the world

Many students from India, China, and other countries may face delays. Some might not get to study in Canada at all this year. They need to explore other countries or wait for next year’s cap to open again. For families, this could mean rearranging plans, programs, or budgets.

How schools and communities are affected

Canadian schools rely on international students for diversity and income. Colleges and universities now face empty seats on campus and less tuition money. Communities that count on students to support local businesses may feel the impact too. Cafes, bookstores, and rental agencies may see fewer customers.

Balancing pressure and opportunity

The government introduced these caps to ease pressure on housing, health care, and other services. Rapid growth in student arrivals had made housing hard to find and roads busier. But critics say that international students also bring money and support to local economies. With fewer students, some worry Canada may lose its edge as a top global study destination.

What comes next for hopeful students

As the academic year unfolds, students should check application deadlines and requirements. Those still interested in studying in Canada may need to be more flexible — choosing different programs, provinces, or start years. Exploring scholarship options or regional support can help ease the path.

What this means for the future

The sharp decline may change the makeup of Canada’s student population for years. If student growth was one of the country’s strengths, now it must adapt. Schools and local businesses may need new plans. And students will watch closely for changes in immigration policies.

Canada’s decision to reduce study permits has sent a strong ripple through global education. Thousands of students face uncertainty, and many schools must rethink their plans. Yet, this moment also offers a chance for students to explore other paths and for Canada to find a new balance between welcoming global talent and managing local needs. This is a real change with big effects, and it shows how rules can touch lives, classrooms, and communities everywhere.