Ontario Reduces International Student Quota, Colleges Struggle

Post by : Mina Rahman

Ontario’s higher education landscape is under increasing strain after the provincial government announced a significant cut in the number of international students permitted to study in the area.

For the year 2026, a maximum of 70,074 international students will be allowed, reflecting a steep 42 percent reduction from the previous year. This curtailment follows broader federal restrictions on study permits initiated in early 2024, which have tightened consistently each year.

Recent provincial data indicates that 96 percent of the available student seats will cater to public colleges and universities, while a mere four percent will be reserved for private entities and language institutes.

To control enrollment, Ontario will issue 104,780 Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs), mandated for most international enrollees to obtain study permits. Notably, it is anticipated that not all students receiving PALs will choose to register.

The government has made it clear that the 70,074 limit is non-negotiable, meaning institutions must not exceed this cap. Beginning in 2026, graduate students will be exempt from requiring a PAL, although they will still contribute to the total student limit.

Officials have also announced that colleges and universities can return any unused PALs midway through the academic year. The province retains the capability to reclaim these allocations when necessary, with future admissions likely to target sectors experiencing labor shortages.

This announcement comes during a critical juncture for educational institutions, many of which rely heavily on international tuition to compensate for years of stagnant provincial funding. Previously, international students represented almost one-third of total income across the sector.

The financial ramifications have been dire, with numerous institutions across Ontario laying off thousands of staff, shutting down campuses, and discontinuing numerous academic programs. Sector representatives indicate that the potential cost reductions could reach billions, accompanied by widespread job terminations and rising uncertainties for students and faculty.

Universities are raising alarms, projecting deficits that may reach hundreds of millions this fiscal year. Leaders in education are appealing to the province for an urgent reassessment of its funding strategy to stabilize the system and maintain educational access.

Despite ongoing inquiries, the government has provided scant details regarding the timeline for its eagerly anticipated funding review, stating that talks are still in progress.

With international student enrollment dwindling, colleges and universities emphasize the necessity for prompt measures to avert a financial crisis that could irrevocably alter Ontario’s educational arena.