The current turmoil in Canada’s international student system was not only predictable but explicitly warned about in government documents and audit reports. A 2022 Ontario auditor general’s report clearly cautioned about the risks of heavy reliance on international student fees, highlighting potential vulnerabilities when global circumstances change. Despite these warnings, post-secondary institutions continued their dependence on foreign tuition revenue, mainly due to Ontario’s significantly lower per-student funding than other provinces. The province’s contribution of $11,471 per full-time student falls far short of the national average of $20,772, creating a substantial funding gap and pushing institutions toward international enrollment for financial sustainability.
