Canada’s study permit approvals dropped by 31% in 2024, with Nigeria, India, and the Philippines experiencing significant reductions

  • Canada announced a reduction in international student approvals in 2024, citing housing and resource pressures.
  • Global approvals dropped nearly 31% from 681.5k in 2023.
  • Nigerian approvals dropped 36%, ranking among the highest declines. India (-39.7%) and Nepal (-48.8%) were also major declines.
  • Canada plans to issue 437,000 study permits in 2025, 10% lower than 2024’s cap.
  • The UK, US, and local universities may see more Nigerian applicants.

Canada’s study permit approvals dropped by 31% in 2024, from 681.5k in 2023, with India (-39.7%), Nigeria (-36%), and Philippines (-33.1%) among the hardest hit.

This reduction aligns with Canada's policy to cap student intakes, addressing housing shortages and resource limitations.

With 2025 permits expected to shrink by another 10%, bringing the total to 437,000 permits, international students may start exploring alternative destinations like the UK or rely more on local institutions.

Source:

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Period:

2024
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