Canadian Student Enrolment Rises as International Numbers Decline

Canadian colleges and universities are seeing a sharp increase in domestic student enrolment as the federal government tightens restrictions on international students. According to the latest Statistics Canada data, the number of international students fell by 39,600, or 6.9 per cent, in the 2024-25 academic year — the largest decline since the 1990s.

In contrast, domestic enrolment increased by 37,626 students, marking the fastest growth in 15 years and bringing domestic enrolment back to 2010-11 levels.

Experts say the rise in Canadian students is providing some relief to post-secondary institutions, but the decline in international enrolment has created financial challenges because international students generally pay higher tuition fees.

The weak job market is also being cited as a factor behind the increase in domestic enrolment, with more young people choosing post-secondary education instead of entering the workforce. The trend is expected to continue into the current academic year.