ADMIST FEDERAL STUDY PERMIT CAPS, CANADIAN GOVERNMENT UNVEILS EXEMPTION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN MASTERS AND DOCTORAL PROGRAMMES
In the midst of the Canadian Government’s push to reduce international student numbers, last week, the government also announced that international students enrolling in master’s or doctoral programs at public designated learning institutions, which includes the University of Ottawa, will be exempt from the recently announced Budget 2025 enrolment cap placed on international students beginning January 2026. This comes as the government attempts to reduce the number of temporary residents, including international students, to below 5 per cent of the population by the end of 2027.
Graduate students have traditionally made up a very small number of students at post-secondary institutions. The University of Ottawa had 7,935 graduate students in 2024, of which 2,587 were international students, around 30%.
The International Student Association (ISA) at the University of Ottawa told us they were not surprised by this move. “The data speaks for itself. According to the 2023 CBIE International Students in Canada Survey Report, 95% of Canadian institutions agree that international students enhance classroom discussions and strengthen intercultural understanding among their Canadian peers…”
President of the ISA, Aka Marc-Aurèle Bossongbra, pointed out the contribution that international students make to the Canadian economy “over 30% of recent STEM graduates in Canada are international students, actively contributing to research, innovation, and addressing labour shortages in critical sectors such as technology, healthcare, and engineering.”
“These figures underscore the essential role graduate-level international students play in Canada’s academic and economic landscape. We hope this recognition continues to inform inclusive and forward-thinking policies that support the entire international student community.”
In a statement to the Fulcrum, the University’s president and vice-chancellor, Marie-Eve Sylvestre said “I’m thrilled to see the federal government announce a major investment to support universities in attracting top international talent into our institutions.” She continued, “Universities are important hubs of innovation that help build a more resilient and prosperous country. The University of Ottawa looks forward to working with its partners from the national capital region and government to promote Canadian sovereignty and security.”
