Recent data analysis by ApplyBoard reveals a potentially dramatic drop in international student commencements for Canada in 2024. Despite the government’s initial projection of a 35% decrease in approved study permits, current trends suggest a much steeper decline of nearly 50%. This sharp downturn is attributed to new policy measures to achieve “zero growth” in international student numbers. The impact extends beyond the capped programs, with even cap-exempt graduate-level courses experiencing significant application reductions. This unexpected decline raises concerns about the broader implications for Canada’s international education sector and its global reputation as a study destination.
