Maple News reports that the number of international students in Canada has surpassed one million, marking a historic milestone for the country’s education and immigration landscape. According to official data from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), there were 1,028,850 valid study permit holders in the country as of December 2023.
This record-setting number represents a significant rise from the previous year, when Canada hosted 807,260 international students. The surge reflects the country’s continued appeal as a top study destination, fueled by factors such as high-quality education, post-graduation work opportunities, and ease of immigration pathways. Ontario leads in student numbers with over 526,000 international students, followed by British Columbia (202,565) and Quebec (117,925). These provinces also host the highest number of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs).
However, the ballooning student population has raised concerns among federal and provincial authorities. Immigration Minister Marc Miller has attributed unchecked growth to lenient enrollment practices at some DLIs. In a recent interview, he urged provinces to collaborate with institutions to manage intakes more responsibly, warning that the current model could put undue stress on housing, healthcare, and student support systems.
To address these concerns, the federal government announced a cap on new study permits. Effective in 2024, the IRCC will approve only 360,000 new study permits—a significant reduction aimed at stabilizing growth and safeguarding the integrity of Canada’s international education system.
Officials say this measure is intended not only to manage population pressures but also to crack down on exploitation by unlicensed immigration consultants and questionable institutions that enroll students beyond their capacity. Cases involving fake admission letters and inadequate support for students have heightened scrutiny of the sector, prompting regulators to enhance oversight.
The cap is part of a broader effort to ensure international students receive the quality of education and support services they are promised. It also aligns with growing public and political pressure to balance immigration with Canada’s social infrastructure limits.
While Canada remains committed to welcoming talented students from around the world, Maple News reports that the new policies mark a strategic pivot toward a more sustainable and student-centric international education model.