Canada's study permit cap for 2026 allows 408,000 permits: 253,000 extensions for students already in Canada and an expected 155,000 new arrivals. Master's and doctoral students are exempt from the cap.
Far fewer arrivals so far
From January to July 2026, 28,205 new international students arrived, only about 18% of the annual target. That is about 36% fewer than in the same months of 2025 and about 80% fewer than in 2024. August and September usually bring 40% or more of each year's arrivals, but the analysis estimates the 2026 total may stay below 100,000.
Better odds for applicants
The average approval rate for new study permits rose to 47% from January to May 2026, up from 36% a year earlier. Master's and doctoral students made up 21% of new study permits in the first half of 2026, up from 12% in 2025. Atlantic Canada's universities had 18% fewer international students on 1 October 2026 than a year earlier.
Key points
- 2026 cap: 408,000 study permits, including about 155,000 for new arrivals.
- Master's and doctoral students are exempt from the cap.
- Study permit approval rate: 47% (January–May 2026), up from 36%.
- New arrivals January–July 2026: 28,205, well below earlier years.
Graduate students face better conditions in Canada right now; undergraduate and college applicants should check how their province allocates permits.
Source
- What is happening with international student numbers in Canada so far this year?ICEF Monitor · Oct 15, 2026Figures from IRCC, the Association of Atlantic Universities and the Auditor General.
Written by the Study and Work Abroad team in our own words from the sources above. Rules change often: before you apply, ask us to check the current rules for your case.
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