A group representing nearly 100 Canadian universities is warning that the impact of the federal government’s cap on international students will be much greater than initially anticipated. Gabriel Miller, president of Universities Canada, stated that there will be at least a 45 percent drop in international student enrollment once the schools have finalized their count. This unexpected decrease is causing concern among universities, as international students are seen as a valuable asset that enriches the educational experience and contributes financially to universities and the Canadian economy.
The national cap on international students was introduced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller in January as a temporary measure to address the rapid increase in international student numbers putting pressure on housing, healthcare, and other services. The cap was expected to reduce the intake by 35 percent over the next two years, with approximately 364,000 approved study permits in 2024. However, the number of approved permits has since been revised to around 292,000. Provinces that had experienced unsustainable growth in international student intake will have to reduce their numbers more significantly than other jurisdictions.
Universities Canada is concerned about the potential impact of the cap on future enrollment and recruitment of international students. The organization believes that the cap could harm the ability of universities to compete for and attract talented students in the future. The Minister’s office has acknowledged a decrease in intake and approvals since the cap was implemented but stated that it is too early to fully assess the impact. Several universities in Atlantic Canada have already observed a drop in international student enrollment, with Nova Scotia accepting fewer than 4,000 international students for the upcoming school year compared to nearly 20,000 in 2023.
The University of Manitoba is one of the institutions feeling the financial impact of the cap, with a potential seven percent decrease in overall revenue due to lower tuition fees from international students. This could result in a budget shortfall of $7 to $8 million. Universities Canada is calling on the government to refrain from imposing further restrictions on international student requirements, such as work permits, and to focus on restoring Canada’s reputation as a destination for talented students from around the world. Miller emphasized the urgent need for a global marketing campaign to attract top international students to Canada to prevent further damage to the country’s higher education sector.
In conclusion, the unexpected consequences of the cap on international students in Canada have raised alarm bells among universities and education stakeholders. The significant drop in enrollment could have far-reaching implications for the educational experience, financial stability, and global reputation of Canadian universities. It is crucial for the government to carefully assess the impact of the cap, address the concerns raised by universities, and take steps to ensure that Canada remains an attractive destination for international students in the future. The collaboration between government, universities, and other stakeholders will be essential in navigating these challenges and securing the long-term success of Canada’s higher education sector.
