ISLAMABAD (ProPakistani) — October 31, 2025: Canada’s approval rate for new international study permits has fallen to its lowest level in a decade, dropping even below figures recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a report by ApplyBoard, strict federal limits on post-secondary student intakes have caused a sharp decline in new approvals. The data projects that Ottawa will approve only 80,000 new study permits in 2025 — a 62% decrease from 2024 and far below pre-pandemic averages.
For perspective, Canada had approved around 92,000 new study permits in 2020, at the peak of the pandemic. The latest figures suggest that 2025 could become “one of the most competitive years ever” for international students aiming to begin studies in Canada.
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Colleges are facing the greatest impact, with extensions now accounting for nearly 80% of all active study permits. Fewer than 30,000 new permits are expected for college programs across the country.
Universities have seen a partial rebound, with approval rates rising from 30% in May to 55% in August, though opportunities for first-time applicants remain limited. The report also notes that students from India, the Philippines, and several African nations continue to face the lowest acceptance rates — a trend that may affect campus diversity nationwide.
For the first time, students already residing in Canada will represent almost two-thirds of all post-secondary permits issued this year, reflecting how renewals have overtaken new approvals.
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If these trends persist, ApplyBoard warns that Canada’s total international student population could shrink by up to 50% in 2026, as fewer new students arrive to replace graduating cohorts.
Despite the decline, optimism remains high among international students. The survey found that 95% still view Canada as a top global destination due to its academic standards, post-graduation work options, and multicultural learning environment.
While short-term restrictions pose challenges, observers believe that Canada’s long-term appeal for international students will remain strong once policy adjustments stabilize the system.
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