Lana Oconnell
Canada is a popular destination for international students, offering a range of academic opportunities and benefits. However, recent changes to immigration policies have raised concerns among prospective and current international students. As of November 2024, new rules regarding study permits and school transfers have been implemented, and a cap on study permits for 2025 and 2026 has been announced. Despite these developments, Canada remains committed to attracting international students, as evidenced by the allocation of approximately 12% of spaces for postgraduate students and the availability of scholarships and work opportunities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International students in Canada | Over 200,000 |
| Cap on international students | 10% reduction from 2024 target of 485,000 to 437,000 in 2025 and 2026 |
| Postgraduate students | Approximately 12% of allocation spaces reserved |
| Post-graduation work permit | Requires minimum language proficiency in English or French |
| Work during studies | Allowed in certain situations, e.g. work term during the year, cooperative programs |
| Spouse's employment | May apply for employment authorization |
| Study permit | Required for all international students, including high school |
| School change | Not allowed on the same study permit after November 8, 2024 |
| Tuition fees | Higher for international students |
| Scholarships | Available specifically for international students |
| Health coverage | Not provided by the Canadian government; colleges offer health plans |
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What You'll Learn
International students in Canada face a new cap on study permits
Canada accepts international students, but they must apply for a study permit. The process involves several requirements, including proof of sufficient funds and language proficiency. International students contribute significantly to Canada's economy and diversity. However, the country recently announced a cap on new study permits for 2024 and 2025, with a 35% decrease from 2023 numbers, aiming to stabilize growth and address housing and immigration issues. This reduction aims to address unsustainable growth in international student populations and the subsequent strain on housing, healthcare, and living costs.
The cap on international student permits in Canada has sparked concerns among current and prospective students. Over 200,000 international postgraduates risk losing their legal status once their work permits expire in the next 13 months. The situation has been exacerbated by recent changes to the federal government's immigration policy, causing anxiety among graduate students awaiting decisions on their permanent residency applications. The cap also includes master's and doctoral students, who must now submit provincial or territorial attestation letters, leading to colleges suspending programs and laying off staff.
The Canadian government has acknowledged the contributions of postgraduate students to the labour market and has reserved around 12% of spaces for them. Additionally, international students seeking post-study work visas must now demonstrate minimum language proficiency in English or French and graduate from designated learning institutions. These changes aim to address the challenges of unsustainable growth in international student populations and ensure adequate housing and support for all students.
The cap on international student permits in Canada has had a significant impact on colleges, particularly those with a high enrolment of international students, such as Ontario's Sheridan College. To adapt to the reduced intake, Sheridan College has suspended 40 programs and initiated staff layoffs. The college, renowned for its animation program, has assured current students of their opportunity to graduate but will not enrol new first-year students. This decision aligns with the cap's objective to manage international student numbers sustainably and address the strain on resources and infrastructure.
The cap on international student permits in Canada has led to concerns about its potential impact on the country's economy and diversity. International students contribute significantly to the economy through tuition fees and living expenses. They also enrich the cultural landscape of Canadian campuses. However, the cap aims to address the challenges of unsustainable growth and ensure that Canada can continue to provide a high-quality educational experience for all students, both domestic and international. The government is working with provinces, territories, and educational institutions to develop a sustainable path forward, including finalizing a recognized institution framework and ensuring adequate student housing.
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Requirements for study permits
International students wishing to study in Canada are required to obtain a study permit. This document allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada.
There are several requirements that must be met to obtain a study permit. Firstly, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English or French. This can be done by providing a minimum language proficiency test score, such as a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) for English or a Niveaux de compétence for French.
Secondly, applicants must provide proof of financial support. This includes demonstrating that they have sufficient funds to cover their tuition and living expenses, as well as any dependents they may have during their stay in Canada. The exact amount required may vary depending on the study permit type.
Thirdly, applicants may need to undergo a medical exam and/or provide a police certificate, depending on their country of origin. Additionally, a letter of acceptance from the chosen college in Canada is required, along with a provincial attestation letter (PAL) or territorial attestation letter (TAL) from the province or territory where the student plans to study.
It is important to note that the study permit application process can be completed online, or through a paper application obtained from a visa application centre. Applicants should ensure they have gathered all the required documents before submitting their application.
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English proficiency requirements
International students applying to colleges and universities in Canada are generally required to demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting a standardised test score. The level of English proficiency required varies depending on the institution and programme. Most international students are expected to demonstrate an intermediate to advanced level of English proficiency.
One of the standardised tests accepted by Canadian colleges and universities is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic. The test assesses the language proficiency of non-native speakers of English and comprises four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section is scored on a band scale of 0-9, and the overall score is the average of the four section scores. For undergraduate programmes, the minimum score required for IELTS Academic is usually 6.5 overall, with a minimum score of 6.0 in each band.
Some institutions, such as the University of Manitoba, require applicants whose primary language is not English to provide evidence of proficiency by meeting specific English language proficiency standards. Students can meet these standards by completing an approved English proficiency test or obtaining a waiver. The University of Manitoba also provides alternative pathways to demonstrate English proficiency, such as graduation from a Manitoba high school with specific English credits or completion of a certain level of English literature courses.
Other universities, like Confederation College, require applicants to submit recent results (within two years of the start of the program) from approved English proficiency tests. They reserve the right to retest students whose English proficiency levels do not align with their test scores or create academic or safety concerns.
Additionally, some universities offer exemptions from English proficiency testing for applicants who have completed their education in an English-speaking country or have studied in specific countries for a minimum number of years. For example, University Canada West (UCW) accepts certain achievements as meeting admission requirements, such as graduation from a secondary school with a minimum of four consecutive years of full-time study in an English-speaking country.
It is important to note that each educational institution in Canada may have its own specific English proficiency requirements and accepted tests. Therefore, international students should refer to the requirements of their desired colleges and universities when planning their applications.
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Scholarships for international students
Canada accepts international students, but there are some requirements that must be met. For example, students must apply for a study permit, and from November 8, 2024, they can no longer change schools on the same study permit. Additionally, international students must prove they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependents for the duration of their stay.
There are several scholarships available for international students wishing to study in Canada. Global Affairs Canada offers scholarships for international students from a variety of countries and territories to pursue short-term exchange opportunities, graduate studies, or research at Canadian post-secondary institutions. The Study in Canada Scholarships is one such example. Additionally, there are scholarships available specifically for students from Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). These scholarships provide opportunities for short-term studies or research in Canada.
Furthermore, the Canada-China Scholars' Exchange Program (CCSEP) offers scholarships to both Canadians and Chinese scholars. Canadians can pursue short-term study, research, or Chinese language training in China, while Chinese scholars can conduct research in Canada, specifically in the area of Canadian studies.
Ontario's colleges, in particular, have some additional requirements for international applicants. Colleges give priority to permanent residents of Ontario and Canada when accepting applicants. International students may be required to take a college language assessment test and/or enroll in an English as a Second Language program before being accepted as full-time students. International student fees in Ontario are approximately $14,000 Canadian dollars per year, and students must provide proof of sufficient funds to support themselves and any dependents during their stay. While studying, international students can work in Canada under certain conditions, such as being employed as part of a cooperative program.
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Health coverage for international students
Canada's healthcare system is universal, but it only covers medically necessary services, which are considered basic healthcare. While some colleges have health plans available for international students, healthcare programs are operated by individual provinces and territories, so the details of coverage vary depending on where a person is living.
In British Columbia, international students who are physically present in the province for at least six months in a calendar year are deemed residents and are required to apply for MSP (BC's health-care coverage) as soon as they arrive. MSP coverage only begins once the student arrives in British Columbia, and it takes about three months to process applications. International students may purchase extended health coverage to supplement the basic coverage offered by MSP.
In Alberta, international students who are ineligible for AHCIP must purchase a private plan through an insurance company or agent. AHCIP only covers basic health expenses and does not cover dental care or prescription drugs.
In Saskatchewan, international students studying for at least six months may be eligible to register for free basic health coverage through the province by obtaining a Saskatchewan Health Card.
In the Northwest Territories, international students studying for at least 12 months may apply for health insurance through Northwest Territories Health Care (NWTHC), which provides free basic health care.
Some colleges may also ask international students to take a college language assessment test and/or enroll in an English as a Second Language program before being accepted as a full-time student. International students are not insured for medical, hospital, or dental care by the Canadian government and cannot receive financial assistance from the government.
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Frequently asked questions
International students must apply for a study permit and receive a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI). All primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLIs, but only some colleges and universities are. Students must also demonstrate proficiency in English or French.
There are several scholarships available for international students in Canada. The University of Alberta offers the International Admission Scholarship, the Regional Excellence Scholarship, the President's International Distinction Scholarship, and the Gold Standard Scholarship. The Maple Leaf Centenary Scholarship is also available for international students attending high school in Canada on a study permit.
International students can work in Canada if employed as part of a course of study, such as a work term during the year or cooperative programs. International students cannot fund their studies through money received from part-time employment. Spouses of international students may also be allowed to apply for employment authorization.
International student fees are approximately $14,000 Canadian dollars per year (two semesters), and colleges may charge additional fees. International students are also not insured for medical, hospital, or dental care by the Canadian government, so they must purchase health insurance separately.
