Changes to international student study permit allocations have raised concerns at Ontario universities, including Queen’s.
Ontario universities are raising alarms over continued reductions to international study permits, warning the caps could have long-term consequences for university finances, research capacity, and Ontario’s economic competitiveness.
In a Dec. 17 statement, the Council of Ontario Universities (COU) criticized recent federal and provincial decisions that reduce the number of Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs), documents required for most international students applying to study permits that effectively limit enrolment numbers, available to international students applying to study at Ontario universities.
According to the COU, Ontario’s university PAL allocation for undergraduate international study permit applications has been reduced by 33 per cent, from 36,725 to approximately 24,600.
In their statement, the COU warned the reductions come “at a critical moment for Ontario’s competitiveness,” arguing they limit the provinces’ ability to develop talent, weaken research and innovation capacity, and intensify financial pressures facing universities amid rising domestic demand for postsecondary education.
“Ontario’s economy depends on strong universities that equip students with in-demand skills, drive innovation and support communities across every region of the province,” the statement said.
The organization estimates federal measures to reduce international student numbers have already reduced Ontario university revenue by more than $300 million last year and $700 million this year, largely due to the loss of international student tuition revenue. Projected losses are expected to reach $1.1 billion next year and rise to $1.7 billion by the 2028-29 academic year, amounting to a cumulative $5.4 billion over five years.
Despite these challenges, the COU emphasized that Ontario universities have maintained “modest levels of international enrolment growth,” with international students making up an average of 19 per cent of enrolment across institutions.
Still, Ontario’s universities face a projected $265 million annual deficit in 2025-26, according to the COU.
In a statement to The Journal, Queen’s confirmed its international figures are publicly available in the university’s annual enrolment report. For the 2025-26 academic year, Queen’s enroled 3,199 international students from 123 countries of origin.
“International students play a vital role in strengthening the academic environment, research activity, and the social and economic fabric of both the university and the Kingston community,” the statement said.
Looking ahead, the University said it will focus on student success, academic quality, and targeted global engagement while continuing to advocate for policies that recognize the importance of international students to Canada’s postsecondary system.
In response to concerns raised by Ontario’s universities, the Ontario Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, said the province remains committed to supporting postsecondary institutions.
“Our government is ensuring that postsecondary students get into rewarding careers that protect the provinces economy and address current and future labour market needs,” the ministry said in a statement to The Journal.
While the federal government’s repeated changes to the international student study permit system “continue to destabilize Canada’s postsecondary system,” the ministry said, Ontario has invested nearly $1 billion in colleges and universities over the past year, in addition to a $1.3 billion investment in 2024.
The ministry added it’s currently working with postsecondary partners to modernize Ontario’s funding model into what it described as “a more responsive, sustainable, and future-ready framework.”
Tags
international students, international tuition, study permit
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