International student enrolment at Atlantic Canada universities falls 48% since 2024

International student enrolment at universities in Atlantic Canada has fallen by nearly 48% since the Canadian government introduced tighter study permit restrictions in January 2024, according to preliminary figures released by the Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU).

The region had 13,775 full-time international students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programmes as of October 1, 2026, down from 16,795 a year earlier. The latest figures represent an annual decline of 3,020 students, or 18%, across universities in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.

The AAU’s preliminary enrolment survey for the 2026-27 academic year indicates that the decline has exceeded the federal government’s target of reducing new international student intake by 35%.

The figures come as Canada continues to tighten its international student programme through study permit caps, higher financial requirements for applicants and restrictions on students’ work opportunities.

Canadian student enrolment rises as international numbers fall

Despite the drop in international enrolment, Atlantic Canadian universities have recorded an increase in full-time first-year undergraduate students from Canada.

The AAU reported 451 additional first-year students compared with the previous year, representing a rise of 3.4% as of October 1, 2026.

Andrew Hakin, chair of the AAU and president of St Francis Xavier University, said the figures reflected Canadian students’ confidence in universities in the region. He also highlighted the importance of investment in universities, noting that many students choose to remain in Atlantic Canada after graduation.

However, the increase in domestic first-year enrolment has not offset the decline in international student numbers, according to the association.

Universities raise concerns over federal study permit restrictions

The Canadian government introduced a cap on international study permit applications in January 2024 amid concerns about the growth of temporary residents and pressure on housing and public services.

The subsequent changes included tighter financial requirements and restrictions on international students’ work opportunities. Universities in Atlantic Canada have argued that the measures have affected their ability to attract students from overseas.

Hakin said the federal government’s national policy decisions had disproportionately affected the region’s universities.

The concerns extend beyond enrolment figures. International students also contribute to local economies through spending, employment and participation in community organisations. A sustained decline could therefore affect businesses and communities that depend partly on student populations.

The region is also dealing with an ageing workforce and demographic challenges. The AAU cited projections from the Public Policy Forum indicating that Atlantic Canada could face a workforce supply gap of 269,000 workers by 2035.

International graduates who find employment in the region could help address some of those labour needs, the association said.

Smaller provinces face challenges with study permit approvals

Canada’s international student reforms have also raised questions about study permit approval rates in smaller provinces.

The AAU cited a March 2026 report by Canada’s Auditor General, which found that smaller provinces had been disproportionately affected by the reforms. The report also noted that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada did not know why study permit approval rates for these provinces were lower than projected.

The latest enrolment figures show that the decline is continuing into the 2026-27 academic year, despite an increase in first-year enrolment among Canadian students.

The AAU has called for federal policies that recognise the particular circumstances of Atlantic Canada, where universities play a role in attracting international talent, supporting regional economies and helping address long-term workforce needs.