A coalition representing nearly 100 of Canada’s universities is sounding the alarm over the federal government’s cap on international students, warning that its impact will be “far greater” than anticipated. Gabriel Miller, president of Universities Canada, has indicated that when the final count of enrolled international students is completed in October, there could be at least a 45 percent decrease in their numbers. He cautioned that the situation might even be worse than expected. “We’re already facing an unprecedented situation that should trigger urgent action from Ottawa to address the issue,” he said in a Saturday interview.
The cap, announced in January by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, aimed to reduce the intake of international students by 35 percent over two years to address pressures on housing, healthcare, and other services. Initially projected to result in about 364,000 approved study permits for 2024, the number has since been revised downward to approximately 292,000.
The cap is applied nationally but will affect provinces with the highest rates of unsustainable growth more significantly. Universities Canada is worried about the long-term effects on future enrollment, emphasizing that international students are valuable assets who enhance educational experiences, contribute financially to Canadian institutions, and benefit the national economy. Miller expressed concern that the cap could damage Canada’s ability to attract and retain top talent for its universities.
In response, the minister’s office acknowledged a decrease in intake and approvals since the cap’s implementation but noted that it is too early to fully evaluate the impact as the cap was not in effect during the peak study permit processing season of August and September. They advised that a clearer picture will emerge when final statistics for the fall 2024 season and winter 2024 season are available.
Several provinces have already reported negative effects from the cap. For example, Nova Scotia has seen a significant drop in international student enrollments, with fewer than 4,000 students accepted for the upcoming year, down from 19,900 in 2023. The University of Manitoba has also felt the financial strain, projecting a potential seven percent decrease in revenue due to reduced tuition fees, translating to a possible $7 to $8 million shortfall in its budget.
Miller urged the government to avoid further restrictions on international students, including changes to work permits or additional cuts to the cap. He also called for an immediate global marketing campaign to restore Canada’s reputation as a top destination for international students. “We need to act swiftly to prevent further damage,” he said.
