Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has published data confirming that the study permit refusal rate rose to 65.4% in 2025 — up from 40.5% in 2024. This means nearly two in three applicants are being refused, a dramatic reversal from the era when Canada actively courted international students.
The numbers in full
- 2023: ~43% refusal rate
- 2024: ~40.5% refusal rate
- 2025: ~65.4% refusal rate
New permit approvals fell below COVID-era levels in 2025, according to ICEF Monitor analysis of IRCC data published in April 2026.
College vs university: a massive gap
The refusal rate is not uniform across institutions:
- College applicants: 25–33% approval rate (67–75% refusal)
- University applicants: 45–59% approval rate
This reflects Canada's explicit policy to reduce enrolment at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) with poor post-graduation outcomes and high international student concentrations.
Indian students hardest hit
Indian students — who historically comprised around 40% of Canada's international student population — have seen the steepest decline. In Q2 2025, approximately four in five Indian applicants received refusals, according to BorderPass data. This represents a staggering shift from approval rates above 60% just two years earlier.
Why is Canada doing this?
Canada introduced a two-year cap on study permit issuances starting in 2024, driven by concerns about housing pressure, labour market impacts, and compliance issues at some private colleges. The 2026 target of 408,000 study permits is 7% lower than the 2025 target and 16% lower than 2024.
What can applicants do?
- Apply to a recognised university rather than a private college
- Write a strong Letter of Explanation (LOE) demonstrating genuine academic intent and ties to home country
- Ensure financial documentation shows genuine ability to fund studies — not just a one-time deposit
- Apply early in the intake cycle (January–March for September intake) before permit allocations are exhausted
- Work with an RCIC-registered immigration consultant or experienced education consultancy