Canada has long been a top destination for international students seeking quality education and diverse cultural experiences. However, recent mid-year data indicates a significant decline in international student commencements for 2024. An analysis by ApplyBoard reveals that approved study permits could drop by nearly 50% compared to 2023. This development raises concerns about the future of Canada’s international education sector and its global reputation. In this detailed report, we’ll explore the facts, reasoning, and potential implications of this trend in a simple and engaging manner.
Key Highlights
- Government Policies Impacting Demand: Canadian government policies aiming for “zero growth” in international student numbers are severely affecting interest in studying in Canada.
- Projected Decline Exceeds Expectations: While the government anticipated a 35% decrease in approved study permits for 2024, ApplyBoard projects a 47% decline.
- Broad Effects Across Programs: Even Canadian post-secondary programs not included in the cap are experiencing double-digit drops in applications, indicating a widespread impact on Canada’s appeal to international students.
Government Projections vs. Reality
On January 2, 2024, Canadian Immigration Minister Mark Miller announced a two-year cap on new study permits, stating:
“For 2024, the cap is expected to result in approximately 364,000 approved study permits, a decrease of 35% from [the number of study permits issued in] 2023.”
However, ApplyBoard’s analysis suggests that this projection may have been overly optimistic. If current processing and approval rates remain steady, the decline could reach 47%, bringing approvals down to levels not seen since 2018.
Understanding the Decline
- Decrease in Processed Applications:
- In Q2 2024, the number of new study permit applications processed dropped by 54% compared to Q2 2023.
- Year-over-year, a 39% decrease in processed applications is projected for 2024.
- Approval Rate Concerns:
- The study permit approval rate fell to 51% in the first half of 2024, down from 58% in 2023.
- The government’s initial projections assumed a 60% approval rate, which seems unlikely under current trends.
- Projected Outcomes:
- If these trends continue, only about 231,000 new study permits will be approved in 2024.
- This figure represents a 47% drop from the 436,600 new study permits approved in 2023.
Impact on Cap-Exempt Programs
Even programs not included in the cap, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, are seeing decreased interest:
- In Q1 2024:
- Applications for capped programs decreased by 26% year-over-year.
- Cap-exempt programs saw a 21% dip in applications.
- Full-Year 2024 Projection:
- A 50% reduction in study permits for capped post-secondary programs.
- A 24% reduction for cap-exempt programs.
Declining Approval Rates
- The approval rate for study permits has dropped, contributing significantly to the overall decline.
- Key Points:
- The government anticipated a 60% approval rate, but the current rate stands at 51%.
- To meet the government’s projected numbers, both the number of applications and the approval rate would need to increase significantly in the latter half of 2024.
Significant Declines in Key Markets
Countries that have traditionally been top sources of international students for Canada are experiencing sharp declines in approved study permits:
- India: 50% fewer approvals, despite an approval rate of 85%.
- Nepal: 76% reduction in approvals.
- Nigeria: Over 70% reduction.
- Philippines: 65% decline.
Factors Contributing to the Decline
- Increased Financial Requirements:
- A new savings requirement exceeding CAD 20,000 to be eligible for a study permit.
- Policy Changes Affecting Families:
- Removal of the right for partners of undergraduate students to receive an open work visa.
- Limitations on Post-Study Work:
- Elimination of post-study work eligibility for students enrolled in college programs delivered via private-public partnerships.
- Uncertainty and Rumors:
- Prospective students are concerned about potential future immigration rulings that could further affect international students.
Global Shift in Student Preferences
- Alternative Destinations:
- Countries like the United States, Germany, and Italy are becoming more attractive to international students.
- Decrease in Interest:
- ApplyBoard notes a 20% decline in global searches for “study in Canada” compared to 2023.
- Impact of Confusion:
- New policies have created uncertainty, leading students to defer applications or choose other countries.
Economic Impact on Canadian Institutions
Educational institutions across Canada are feeling the financial strain:
- Universities Canada: Predicts a 45% decline in international enrollments for higher education institutions.
- Colleges and Institutes Canada: Expects enrollments to be down by more than 35%.
- Case Study – University of Winnipeg:
- Reports a CAD 4.5 million budget shortfall due to declining international enrollments.
- Potential impacts on student support services and overall university operations.
Expert Opinions
- Gabriel Miller, Universities Canada:
- Describes the situation as an unprecedented national hit to university budgets.
- Emphasizes the confusion among prospective students about studying in Canada.
- Michael McDonald, Colleges and Institutes Canada:
- Expects significant enrollment declines among member institutions.
- Larissa Bezo, Canadian Bureau for International Education:
- Warns of significant reputational damage to Canada’s education sector.
- Predicts a recovery time of five to seven years due to enrollment cycles and lost trust.
The projected nearly 50% drop in international student commencements for 2024 is a critical issue that could have long-term consequences for Canada’s education sector and economy. Government policies intended to manage growth have inadvertently caused significant declines, affecting not only educational institutions but also Canada’s reputation as a welcoming destination for international students.
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