Decline in International Enrolment at U of S Sparks Concerns

A significant decline in international enrolment at the University of Saskatchewan has left students feeling increasingly isolated on campus. The drop follows cuts made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in January 2024, which limited the number of study permits issued. This year, the university expects to lose an additional 500 international students, adding to the 500 lost last year. In total, this represents a loss of approximately 1,000 students.

Elmer Vincent, a 21-year-old student originally from South India, moved to Saskatoon from Kuwait in 2022 to study computer science. He wishes for his brother, currently in Grade 12, to join him but reports that his brother has seen concerning videos online depicting racism against Indians in Canada. “A lot of his friends do not want to come to Canada just because of these videos,” Vincent explained. He founded the South Indian Student Association and serves on the students’ council representing the International Student Association.

The impact of the IRCC’s decision has been profound. According to Patti McDougall, the university’s deputy provost, international students made up about 14 percent of the student body in the 2023-2024 academic year. This figure is projected to drop to as low as nine percent this year, highlighting a concerning trend. The decrease in international enrolment has resulted in an estimated $10 million loss for the university during the last fiscal year. “There is really no sort of compensating for that,” McDougall remarked.

Changes in Campus Demographics

Vincent noted that the diminishing international presence has altered the campus atmosphere significantly. “When you look around, you do see a huge drop in the number of international students. It’s pretty visible this year,” he said. The university has received more Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) than it expects to use, which suggests that the decline is not due to a lack of permits but rather a decrease in applications from prospective students.

The demographic shift on campus is evident to many students, including Atharv Govardhan, a third-year biomedical sciences student from India. Working as a resident assistant, Govardhan observed a noticeable decline in first-year international students this fall. “That sense of community is lost, because there are not enough people to make a community,” he said. As president of the International Student Association, he feels a deep connection to the challenges faced by his peers.

Despite the challenges, Govardhan understands the government’s rationale behind the cuts to study permits, which are intended to alleviate strain on housing and healthcare services. “The boom that we saw of internationals coming into Canada was never going to be self-reliant,” he noted, adding that the early decline in numbers was unexpected.

Addressing Isolation and Financial Concerns

As students grapple with feelings of isolation, the university is taking steps to foster inclusivity. McDougall stated that the institution is committed to following its equity, diversity, and inclusion framework. Plans are underway to host a student-led anti-racism symposium in November, aiming to address these pressing concerns.

Vincent expressed that the reduction in international students has made him feel more like a minority in Canada. “I felt less homesick in my first year than I feel now,” he said. The changing demographics have prompted him to reflect on his experience as an international student.

Govardhan mentioned that rising tuition costs could deter potential students. This academic year, the university increased tuition by an average of 3.8 percent across both undergraduate and graduate programs, making it less appealing for prospective students. “My cousin wanted to come here, but looking at the job market and the increase in inflation and housing prices, it has deterred a lot of people,” he remarked.

The university is exploring new revenue streams, including expanding remote learning options, but has yet to implement any program or staff reductions in response to the financial loss. As the situation evolves, the University of Saskatchewan will need to address both the financial implications and the growing sense of isolation among its international student community.