Canada welcomed 37,090 new international students in August 2026, according to IRCC open data reported this week — more than six times July’s 5,800 arrivals. August is always the busiest month before the fall semester, but this year’s figure is still 17% below August 2025 and 53% below August 2024.
The numbers at a glance
- August 2024: 79,660 new students
- August 2025: 44,865
- August 2026: 37,090
- January–August 2026: 65,240 arrivals, about 42% of the federal target of 155,000 new students for the year
- Study permit holders in Canada: just over 600,000 at the end of August 2026, down from more than one million two years earlier
Why arrivals are so low
The drop follows several years of tighter rules: the national cap on study permits, stricter eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit, higher proof-of-funds requirements and limits on work permits for spouses. The government’s goal is to bring temporary residents below 5% of Canada’s population by the end of 2027.
Universities in smaller provinces feel it most. As of October 1, Atlantic Canadian universities reported 18% fewer international students than a year earlier and nearly 48% fewer than in 2024, according to ICEF Monitor.
The opportunity hidden in the data
Low arrivals do not mean Canada is closed. ICEF Monitor reports that the average approval rate for new study permits rose to 47% in January–May 2026, up from 36% a year earlier, and the 2026 cap is far from full. Graduate students benefit from two-week PhD processing and an exemption from the cap.
For families, the message is clear: well-prepared applications are being approved, and schools have more space than in recent years. A complete file — genuine Letter of Acceptance, clear proof of funds, a convincing study plan and, for minors, a custodian — matters more than ever.
What it means for high school students
Students in Canadian elementary and secondary schools are generally outside the cap that applies to colleges and universities, but they still need a study permit when the program lasts more than six months. Many public school districts and private schools have places open for the February and September 2027 intakes. Browse public school districts, private schools and CAIS boarding schools with current fees.
Sources
Want to know whether your child’s application would be strong today? Book a free pre-assessment with a Canadian Edu Centre advisor.