Maple News reports a significant year-over-year decline in international student numbers coming to Canada, according to newly released data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
In August 2025, only 45,380 new international students arrived in Canada, marking a 43.1% drop from the 79,795 arrivals recorded in August 2024. This downturn mirrors a broader trend observed throughout the year. Between January and August 2025, Canada welcomed 132,505 fewer new international students compared to the same period the previous year.
The decrease in student arrivals coincides with recent federal policy shifts aimed at scaling back the overall number of temporary residents. The government has prioritized reducing the temporary resident population to less than 5% of Canada’s total population, citing concerns over housing shortages, overstretched public resources, and long-term integration challenges.
In this context, the term “arrivals” reflects the issuance of new study or work permits. The steep decline highlights the impact of administrative measures introduced to regulate international student intake, such as provincial attestation letter requirements, stricter enforcement of Designated Learning Institution (DLI) regulations, and upcoming changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.
Canada has long been a top destination for international students, offering world-class education, work opportunities, and a potential pathway to permanent residency. However, the current policy direction signals a shift towards more controlled growth and improved program oversight. Stakeholders in the education sector have raised concerns about the cascading effects of these changes, including revenue losses for post-secondary institutions and potential talent shortages in the long term.
As the federal government continues refining its immigration strategy, further regulatory adjustments may follow. The international education community and provincial governments are closely monitoring these changes, balancing economic and demographic priorities with Canada’s reputation as a global education hub.
Maple News will continue to track developments affecting international students and provide timely analysis on Canada’s evolving immigration landscape.