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Canadian Visa Expert - Canadian Colleges

30% Growth in International Students at Canadian Colleges

In the 2022/23 period, Canadian educational institutions experienced a notable increase in international student enrollments. According to data from Statistics Canada, enrollments in colleges grew by nearly 30%, while universities saw a 7% increase. In contrast, enrollments of Canadian students decreased by 4% in colleges and 2% in universities, with international students driving an overall 0.6% increase across the sector, reaching a total of 2.2 million students.

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A key takeaway from the report is that international students represented 21% of all enrollments in 2022/23, continuing a growth trend sustained for over a decade. During this period, the number of international students doubled, while enrollments of domestic students decreased by 5.7%. This phenomenon has led institutions to rely on the high tuition fees paid by foreign students, which averaged CAD $33,561 in 2022/23, compared to the $6,435 paid by Canadian students.

enrollments of domestic students decreased by
0 %

However, this model has faced challenges. In January 2024, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced a cap on study permits to reduce international enrollments by 35% in 2023, calling the current levels “unsustainable.” While many recognized the need for government intervention, these restrictions have been seen as an “overreaction” by various sectors.

The impact of these measures began to show in the second quarter of 2024, with a significant decrease in study permit applications. Additionally, the government implemented further changes, such as restrictions on eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and the end of expedited processes, which will significantly reduce international student levels.

In particular, students from India drove much of the growth in 2022/23, representing more than 50% of international enrollments in colleges. However, diplomatic tensions between Canada and India and government restrictions are leading many Indian students to consider alternative destinations in Europe.

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