Canada’s reputation as a premier education destination is showing signs of strain. According to the Canadian Association of Public Schools – International (CAPS-I), long-term enrolments dropped by over 1,000 students in 2024–25, slipping to 28,500 from the previous year’s 29,600.
While short-term enrolments rose modestly, early signs for the current academic year point to deeper declines. Some urban centres have already reported student numbers down by 10–15% for fall 2025.
CAPS-I executive director Bonnie McKie attributed the downturn to increased global competition, recent Canadian policy changes, and Ottawa’s limited promotion of the country as a study hub. Countries like New Zealand have launched aggressive campaigns to attract students, while Canada imposed a cap on study permits in 2024 and at times linked international students to housing pressures.
China remains Canada’s largest source of students, contributing over 9,000 enrolments, followed by Germany at 3,000, with Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and Vietnam rounding out the top markets. Experts stress the importance of diversifying these sources to maintain growth.
The numbers signal more than a temporary dip—they highlight a pivotal moment for Canada’s international education strategy. As competition intensifies, policymakers face a crucial choice: adapt with stronger outreach and stable policies, or risk losing Canada’s global edge.
