Canada’s efforts to reduce international student numbers have had a striking effect in Atlantic Canada. Universities in the region have lost nearly half their international students in three years.

According to preliminary figures released in October, international enrolment fell by 3,020 students (18 per cent) in the past year. That brings the decline since federal restrictions began in January 2024 to almost 48 per cent.

Canada’s restrictions aim to address national concerns, but their effects vary across the country. The sharp decline in Atlantic Canada raises questions about whether federal policy takes enough account of smaller provinces.

Read more: International students cap falsely blames them for Canada’s housing and health-care woes

A decline beyond expectations

In 2024, Ottawa introduced a cap on international student study permit applications. The government cited rapid growth, housing pressures and concerns about oversight.

The government subsequently set further limits on international student enrolments for 2026.

There were good reasons for reform. International student recruitment had grown quickly, and governments needed to ensure that institutions could support the students they admitted.

Yet the scale and distribution of the decline have surprised even federal officials.

In March, Canada’s Auditor General reported that the restrictions had reduced new study permit........

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