UPEI Sees 14.2% Drop in International Enrolments Amid Policy Changes

International enrolment at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) has declined significantly, dropping by 14.2 percent for the academic year 2025. The decrease, influenced by federal policies limiting international study permits, has resulted in smaller and less diverse classrooms, according to the Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU). This trend marks a continuing decline from 1,995 enrolments in 2023 to 1,852 in 2024, and now down to 1,589 for 2025.

UPEI’s vice-president of academic and research, Greg Naterer, acknowledged that the university anticipated this drop due to the Canadian government’s two-year cap on study permits and stricter admission processes. “Like most universities in Canada, we expected a decline in the numbers because of the decrease in international students,” Naterer stated. He indicated that the impact of smaller incoming classes will be felt for the next few years as these cohorts progress through their studies.

Impact on Classroom Dynamics

The shift in enrolment numbers is already evident in the classroom environment. Mobasherah Falak, a master’s student in computer science and a teaching assistant, highlighted the stark contrast in class sizes. “There used to be around more than 180 students in a normal statistics lab. Right now, it has decreased to 60 students. So that’s like almost three times the decrease,” she explained.

Falak noted that the reduced class sizes have affected peer interactions, with students now less likely to engage with a diverse range of classmates. “When classrooms were fuller and more diverse, students could exchange ideas more freely and get help from their peers,” she added. The lack of diversity has created a social barrier, making classes quieter and less collaborative, which has impacted how students learn from one another.

The smaller classrooms also pose challenges for instructors. With fewer students, there are limited opportunities for group assignments and collaborative projects, which are vital for enhancing the learning experience. “We do see the ratio does impact the statement we receive, and also the curriculum that we structure accordingly for the students,” Falak commented.

Decline in Graduate Students

The decline is particularly pronounced in certain programs. Aadesh Nunkoo, a master’s student in statistics from Mauritius, reported a noticeable drop in the number of international graduate students. “We have fewer grad students now. I think for this fall semester, we only have two,” he said, contrasting this with the five students present when he first arrived.

Nunkoo attributed the decline to stricter visa limits and increased financial requirements imposed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). He pointed out that his program has always been small, but the absence of new international students this year is unusual. “Even for undergrad, I have not seen any first-year students from Mauritius,” he remarked.

Challenges and Domestic Growth

Naterer confirmed that UPEI is taking the situation seriously and working closely with the student union to address concerns. “Whenever student concerns are brought forward, we address them as soon as we possibly can,” he assured. He expressed regret over the declining international enrolment, recognizing the value that international students bring to the university in terms of diversity and perspectives.

While international enrolment is down, there is some positive news regarding domestic recruitment. Naterer reported an increase of approximately three percent in domestic enrolments at UPEI, providing a silver lining amid the challenges posed by the international student decline.

In a statement, the AAU indicated that the federal cap on international study permits, implemented in January 2024, aimed to reduce international student enrolment by 35 percent. Since then, enrolments across Atlantic universities have decreased by 36 percent, amounting to approximately 9,425 fewer students. AAU president Paul Mazerolle, who also leads the University of New Brunswick, expressed concern that Atlantic Canada’s universities have been disproportionately affected by these federal policies.

As universities like UPEI adapt to these changes, the long-term implications for both international and domestic students remain to be seen. The challenge now lies in navigating this evolving landscape while maintaining a vibrant and inclusive educational environment.