Between 2023 and 2025, the number of new international study visas issued by Canada dropped significantly, leading to various negative impacts on educational institutions. The Canadian government introduced a cap on international student numbers in January 2024, which has resulted in a staggering 90 percent decrease in new visas, falling from 456,690 in 2023 to just 50,370 by September 2025.
This sharp decline has raised concerns among educators and policymakers alike. David Robinson, a representative from the Canadian Association of University Teachers, remarked, “The decline in international students was obviously far more than what institutions anticipated, or perhaps even what the government anticipated, but the result has been devastating.” The repercussions of this decline are evident, with institutions facing staff layoffs, program closures, and increasing financial strain.
In Saskatchewan, the situation is particularly dire, with a more than 60 percent decline in international students, contrary to the predicted 10 percent increase. This unexpected downturn has led to significant challenges for local universities, which have relied heavily on international tuition fees to sustain their operations.
In contrast, Germany has experienced a 6 percent rise in international student numbers, driven by a surge in first-year intake. The country’s international student policy includes a structured post-study migration pathway, allowing students to stay for 18 months after graduation to find employment. This approach has made Germany an attractive destination for international students, particularly as the number of English-taught degrees has increased, with an estimated 2,400 programs now available.
Rishi Kumar, an education consultant, noted, “Qualified migration is probably the only option to keep up with economic and the labour market needs, and this is probably what distinguishes Germany from other destinations.” This strategic focus on retaining international talent has positioned Germany favorably in the global education landscape.
The auditor general of Canada has criticized the design, monitoring, and oversight of the restrictions on study permits, highlighting the oversight in considering regional impacts and the potential damage to Canada’s global reputation. Roopa Trilokekar, an education policy expert, stated, “The lack of attention to regional impacts and the potential damage to Canada’s global reputation represents a significant oversight—one that might have been avoided through more thorough consultation and a more measured, phased approach.”
As the situation develops, observers are closely monitoring the impacts of these policies on both Canadian and German educational institutions. The contrasting trends in international student enrollment raise questions about the long-term implications for both countries. While Canada grapples with a significant decline, Germany’s proactive measures may serve as a model for attracting and retaining international talent in the future.