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Ontario to cut international student intake by 23% in 2025 amid federal restrictions

The Ontario government is making further cuts to the number of international students allowed at colleges and universities as federal restrictions continue to tighten.

By 2025, Ontario will see a 23% reduction in international student spots. The province has received 181,000 applications but expects to approve only 117,000 study permits, compared to 141,000 in 2024.

In 2024, around 100,000 allocated spots went unused, meaning only 58% of the permits were actually used. To prevent wastage, the government will reclaim and redistribute unused spots:

If institutions don’t use at least 50% of their allocated spots by June, they will lose 20% of their remaining permits.

By September, if usage is still below 50%, the government will take back another 30% of the spots.

The government plans to prioritize international student spots in high-demand fields like skilled trades, healthcare, and childcare.

Before the federal cap, international students made up one-third of college revenue. However, with fewer international students and tuition fees frozen for domestic students, many institutions are struggling financially. Some have closed campuses, cut programs, and laid off staff.

Additionally, tighter immigration rules and strained relations with India have made studying in Canada less attractive for international students. Some institutions may even struggle to fill their reduced quotas.

The province is reviewing the finances of public colleges and plans to sign new funding agreements with all 24 institutions by March 2025.

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