New federal policies have resulted in a dramatic 75 percent decline in international student enrollment at the University of Regina, leading to a $20 million funding shortfall, according to President Jeff Keshen. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced an intake cap on international student permit applications in January 2024 to stabilize enrollment and reduce pressure on local resources. However, a recent auditor general report indicated that smaller provinces like Saskatchewan disproportionately experienced significant drops in study permit approvals, with the University of Regina alone seeing new international student numbers plummet from 2,480 in the 2023-24 academic year to 606 in 2025-26. Other institutions in Saskatchewan, including Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the University of Saskatchewan, also reported steep declines in international enrollment, prompting concerns over financial viability and future program offerings.
Why It Matters
The decline in international student enrollment is significant as these students contribute substantially to the financial health of post-secondary institutions through tuition fees and related economic activity. Historical data indicates that international students have been a vital source of revenue for Canadian universities, often subsidizing domestic education costs. The recent federal policy changes have not only impacted enrollment figures but also led to job cuts and program reductions at these institutions, highlighting the broader economic implications for Saskatchewan’s education sector and local communities. This situation underscores the challenges faced by smaller provinces in attracting and retaining international students amidst changing immigration policies.
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