International Student Arrivals in Canada Fall 60% in 2025

Canada has seen a steep decline in new international student arrivals in 2025, with numbers falling by 60 percent compared with the same period last year.

Between January and October, the country welcomed 153,820 fewer students, affecting universities, colleges, and communities that rely on international enrolments. The autumn intake, traditionally the busiest, was hit particularly hard. In September, just 11,390 students arrived, down from 28,910 in 2024, while October saw arrivals fall to 3,030 from 6,520. 

Even August, which usually sees a pre-semester surge, recorded a 43 per cent drop, with 45,200 arrivals compared with nearly 80,000 the previous year.

Despite the decline in new arrivals, Canada continues to host a significant international student population. 

As of 31 October, 484,090 individuals held study permits, and an additional 255,275 combined study with work permits. The decrease coincides with policy changes aimed at limiting the growth of temporary residents. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has capped study permit issuances at 437,000 for 2025, a 10 percent reduction from 2024, and applicants must now obtain an attestation letter from their province or territory before applying.

Further restrictions introduced in September 2024 have narrowed post-graduation work options. Students in curriculum licensing programmes are no longer eligible for post-graduation work permits, and open work permits for spouses are restricted to partners of master’s and doctoral students, excluding those of undergraduate and college students.

These changes have significant implications for educational institutions, many of which rely on international tuition fees, and for communities that benefit economically and culturally from international students. The government says the measures aim to balance international education with housing, labour market, and immigration system considerations.