International Student Enrollment Declines at B.C. Institutions

As students in British Columbia (B.C.) return to campus this semester, many international students are noticeably absent. A significant decline in enrollment is impacting public post-secondary institutions across the province, following federal government changes to international student permits. This situation is prompting concerns about the financial sustainability of educational institutions and the potential economic repercussions for the region.

The federal government previously announced plans to cap international student permits, which has left many institutions struggling to fill their international student quotas. Of the 25 public post-secondary institutions in B.C., 19 responded to inquiries from The Tyee regarding their anticipated international student enrollment for the fall 2025 semester. Only two institutions, the University of British Columbia and the University of Victoria, reported that they had enrolled the number of international students they had planned for the upcoming semester.

The British Columbia Institute of Technology indicated that while it had not yet filled its international student quota, it was on track to do so. However, 11 other institutions, including Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Emily Carr University of Art + Design, expressed that they do not expect to welcome as many international students as they could have accommodated this fall. Meanwhile, five institutions, including Simon Fraser University, stated it was too early to determine enrollment numbers, as deadlines had not yet passed.

Despite the varying reliance on international students among institutions, the decreased enrollment poses a broader problem. The Justice Institute of British Columbia, which focuses on local public safety education, is less affected by the decline. In contrast, other schools rely heavily on the tuition fees paid by international students to subsidize domestic tuition rates. An email statement from Emily Carr University of Art + Design noted that this year’s application volume has dropped significantly compared to previous years, a trend attributed to recent changes in federal immigration policy.

The application process for international students has become more complex since 2024. Previously, students applied to Canadian schools and then obtained a student visa or a letter of introduction from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Under the new system, provinces and territories receive a limited number of provincial attestation letters, or PALs, which are required for students to apply for study permits. Institutions grant these letters based on their own application standards, but delays in permit processing mean some students may not receive their permits in time for the start of classes.

According to a spokesperson for Okanagan College, new international student applications for the fall 2025 semester have declined significantly compared to previous years. The spokesperson indicated that it is unlikely the college will utilize all the PALs allocated for this year. This issue extends beyond B.C., with Universities Canada reporting a nationwide drop in international student enrollment, which has fallen below the government’s reduced study permit numbers.

The challenges faced by B.C. institutions are compounded by substantial changes to the international student program, including a doubling of required savings from $10,000 to over $22,000, a 35 percent reduction in study permits announced in 2024, and decreased work hours allowed for international students. These changes have contributed to Canada’s diminishing reputation as an attractive destination for international students.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade estimated that international students contributed approximately $7.5 billion to the province’s economy in 2022, supporting nearly 80,000 jobs. Furthermore, these students help fill labor shortages in various sectors, particularly in rural areas where they often make up a significant portion of the workforce. Laurie Waye, president of Coast Mountain College, highlighted the importance of international students in sustaining viable class sizes and meeting local labor market needs.

The current situation poses a risk to the local economies of communities that depend on these students. Waye noted that international graduates have filled essential positions in sectors facing labor shortages, such as healthcare and education. With projections of one million new job openings in B.C. over the next decade, the absence of international students could exacerbate these challenges.

In response to these concerns, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, Jessie Sunner, acknowledged the importance of international students to B.C.’s post-secondary system. In a statement, she emphasized that sudden federal changes to study and work permits have disrupted recruitment efforts and negatively impacted enrollment.

The federal government’s stance is that these changes were necessary to address challenges associated with rapid growth in the international student population, as well as overall immigration. An IRCC spokesperson stated that the government aims to better align immigration streams with labor market needs while ensuring pathways to permanent residence for students.

Experts like Waye and Ollenberg advocate for a more coordinated approach between federal and provincial authorities to align program changes with local economic needs. They argue for consistent consultation with provincial governments before implementing future changes to the international student program.

As the landscape for international students in Canada continues to evolve, the ramifications of decreased enrollment are likely to resonate across B.C.’s educational institutions and local communities for years to come. If these challenges are not addressed, institutions may face significant financial strain, impacting their ability to offer diverse programs and support local economies effectively.