Canada Reports 97% Drop in New International Student Enrolments After Study Permit Cap 2026
Canada Reports 97% Drop in New International Student Enrolments After Study Permit Cap 2026Canada has reported a sharp fall in its new student enrollments, according to the data released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The steep fall is due to the tight study permit rules, IRCC said. Apart from this, this decline also comes as an aftermath of the Canada International Students Cap 2026. These policies are enforced by the federal government. IRCC reported that this drop is around 97%.
This translates to now studying in Canada has to undergo stricter scrutiny. The idea behind this development is to reduce pressure on housing, healthcare and public services caused by high immigration in the country.
Students also need to keep track of the other international educational developments:
India and Germany Set New Plan for Higher Education Cooperation
📞👉 Talk to an Expert Counsellor for FREE 👈 |
|---|
What IRCC Numbers Indicate?
IRCC data highlights these points:
- Only 2,485 new study permits were issued in November 2025.
- It was one of the lowest monthly figures in recent years.
- 95,320 study permits were issued in 2023 in winter intakes.
- If you are a student planning to study abroad, you should watch these figures before targeting Canada for the 2026 intake under the Canada Study Permit Cap 2026.
What IRCC’s “New Student Arrivals” Data Actually Means
As per the IRCC’s clarification, the statistics do not count the number of those students who are coming to Canada physically. But it reflects the number of study permits issued to international students in a given month. Adding to that, the department also said that the total international student population presentation is not the aim of IRCC. The track is kept only for new approvals that result in a study permit.
What IRCC data eliminates:
- Study permit extensions
- Asylum claimants
- Students already studying in Canada
Why the Drop Looks so Dramatic
For issuing study permits in Canada, December and August are peak months. If we compare November 2025 with December 2023, the scale of decline looks exaggerated.
The overall trend is clear here.
As we dive deeper into the statistical map, the Canada International Students Cap 2026 rules show a stricter impact.
Period / Intake | Study Permits Issued | Insight |
November 2025 | 2,485 | One of the lowest monthly figures in recent years |
Winter Intakes 2023 (Total) | 95,320 | Significantly higher volume before stricter caps |
December 2023 (Peak Month) | Higher than Nov 2025 | Peak issuance month; makes Nov 2025 decline look sharper |
Jan–Nov 2024 | Baseline (100%) | Used for year-on-year comparison |
Jan–Nov 2025 | 60% fewer than 2024 | Strong impact of Canada International Students Cap 2026 |
Peak Months | August & December | Traditional high-volume permit issuance periods |
Also Read: Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026 Out
📞👉 Talk to an Expert Counsellor for FREE 👈 |
|---|
Why Canada Cut International Student Numbers so Sharply
The IRCC report also cites the reason for this fall:
The Canadian policy decisions are aimed at reducing the temporary resident population.
This drop will ease pressure on housing, healthcare and essential services.
Changes Driving the Decline:
What are the new education policies in Canada?
Rule | What it Means |
National cap on study permits | Canada limits the total number of study permits |
PAL/TAL required | Provinces must approve students before permits are issued |
Higher financial proof | Students must show more funds |
LOA verification (Dec 2023) | Colleges’ offer letters are checked to stop fraud |
What This Means for Colleges and Universities
Some Canadian academic institutions rely heavily on the tuition fees of overseas students. The decline poses serious financial implications for these.
Lower first-year enrolments can have the following results:
- Institutional budgets
- Staffing levels
- Course availability
Canada Study Permit Cap 2026: What Students Should Know
IRCC has confirmed that the Canada Study Permit Cap 2026 is going to stay. The department is set to issue 408,000 study permits. However, advanced degree students have some relief.
- From January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions will be exempt from PAL and TAL requirements.
- The overall cap will still apply.
Is Canada Still Open to International Students?
Canada will now become more selective in international admissions, but does that mean the doors are closed for international admissions?
No, Canada has not shut its doors to international students.
As we look at the present scenario, limits are stricter, verification is stronger, and approvals are fewer.
So these students stand a better chance under the new rules:
- Strong financial backing
- Genuine offers from recognised institutions
- Complete and verified documentation
A clear understanding of the Canada International Students Cap 2026 and the Canada Study Permit Cap 2026 is now essential before applying.
📞👉 Talk to an Expert Counsellor for FREE 👈 |
|---|
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: How many students will get admission in Canada in 2026?
Ans: These numbers are as per the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan:
- 408,000 study permits planned in 2026
- 155,000 for new international students
- 253,000 for extensions (current/returning students)
Ques: What are the new rules for studying in Canada in 2026?
Ans: These are the new education policies in 2026 in Canada:
- National cap on study permits: Canada’s limit on the total number of study permits.
- PAL/TAL: Provinces must approve students first.
- Higher financial proof: Students need to show more money.
- LOA verification (Dec 2023): Offer letters are checked so fraud can be prevented.
Ques: Did Canada actually reject 74% Indian applications?
Ans: Yes. The official data confirms the same. In August, around 74% applications of Indian students were rejected. It shows a sharp jump of 34% as compared to the last year.