Canada hosted more than a million foreign students in 2023.

In a groundbreaking development, Canada has experienced a remarkable surge in its international student population, reaching an unprecedented milestone in 2023. The latest data released by Immigration, Citizenship and Refugees Canada (IRCC) reveals a significant 27% year-on-year growth, bringing the number of international students with active study permits to an impressive 1,028,850.

This surge in enrollment, predominantly for approved programs lasting six months or more, underscores the country’s appeal as a preferred destination for global education. The majority of these students are pursuing higher education at colleges and universities, contributing to the nation’s reputation as an academic hub.

Key Highlights:

• The 27% year-on-year growth follows a robust 30% expansion in 2022.
• The total number of international students surpassed government expectations, exceeding the projected 950,000 students for 2023.
• Canadian institutions are now hosting nearly as many international students as their counterparts in the United States, despite Canada’s significantly smaller population.

Provincial Distribution:

Ontario continues to lead as the most populous province, hosting over half of Canada’s international students, with 526,015 enrolled in 2023.

British Columbia and Quebec, the second- and third-largest enrollers, experienced a slight decrease in their share of international students.

Enrollments by Province (2023):

• Ontario: 526,015
• British Columbia: 202,565
• Quebec: 117,925
• Alberta: 63,425
• Manitoba: 28,190
• Nova Scotia: 26,610
• Saskatchewan: 18,695
• New Brunswick: 16,030
• Newfoundland and Labrador: 7,430
• PEI: 5,355

Government’s Response to Population Growth:

Amidst record-high population growth, Canada has implemented measures to address the escalating numbers of international students and foreign workers. The government’s recent announcement of a two-year cap on new study permits aims to reduce the overall approved permits by 35% in 2024 compared to 2023. This allocation will be based on each province’s population, potentially impacting recruitment strategies across the country.

Challenges and Controversies:

• The rapid influx of international students is contributing to an imbalance in housing demand and supply, along with strains on the healthcare system.
• A Nanos Research poll indicates that 55% of Canadians believe the government should accept fewer international students, citing concerns about the strain on resources.
• Research reveals that as many as 1 in 5 study permit holders may not be attending the institutions for which they were accepted, prompting calls for more stringent oversight.

International Comparisons:

Canada’s expansion in international student enrollment outpaces leading competitors, with a 30% increase in 2022 and a 27% rise in 2023. Comparatively, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia experienced lower year-over-year growth rates.

• United States (2022): 1,362,160 on F-1 or M-1 visas, a 10.1% YoY increase
• United Kingdom (2021/22): 679,970 in higher education, a 12.4% YoY increase
• Australia (2022): 619,370, an 8% YoY increase

As Canada continues to assert its position as a global education leader, the impact of new visa policies in the UK and Australia on international enrollments in 2024 remains a topic of interest. Real-time data already suggests a potential slowdown in applications in the UK.

Stay tuned for further updates as Canada navigates the dynamic landscape of international education.