Can't hold on! Ontario government announces: international student spots cut another 23%! Colleges and universities in deep trouble!

According to English-language media outlet Global News, the Ford government has announced a new policy on international student allocations for Ontario's colleges and universities, in response to the impact of further tightening of federal regulations. Ontario has announced that the number of spots for international students at post-secondary institutions will be reduced again in 2025, while requiring more types of international students to obtain a permit to study in Canada. In a statement, Ontario's Minister of Colleges and Universities, Nolan Quinn, said: "From the start, our government has focused on ensuring students gain the skills they need to meet the demands of the province's labour market." "In response to this federal decision, we will continue to work with colleges and universities across the province to provide high-quality education." In 2025, the overall allocation for international students in Ontario will be reduced by 23%. In total, of the approximately 181,000 applications received by Ontario, it is expected that nearly 117,000 study permits will be approved. In comparison, in 2024, the total number of applications received was 235,000, with approximately 141,000 approved. The federal government first implemented this quota restriction in January 2024, and it was distributed to institutions through provincial governments. However, a government source revealed that approximately 100,000 spots allocated to institutions in 2024 were wasted, with only 58% of the spots actually used, and 42% of the spots not filled with international students. Given this situation, the provincial government plans to strictly monitor the efficiency of spot usage at institutions. If by June an educational institution has not used 50% of its international student allocation, the government will reclaim 20% of it; if by September it still has not reached 50%, it will reclaim another 30%. The reclaimed spots will be redistributed to other colleges and universities. The provincial government stated that the allocation for international students prioritizes specific areas, including skilled trades, healthcare, and child care. Before Canada began implementing the international student quota, colleges derived approximately one-third of their total revenue from international students. Due to the Ford government's earlier announcement to lower and freeze tuition for domestic students, tuition revenue from international students has become a key source of income for major educational institutions. With the restriction on international student spots, many colleges and universities have seen a significant drop in revenue, and many public colleges have been forced to close campuses, cut programs, and even lay off staff. These factors have also led to a growing number of international students believing that Canada has lost its appeal and no longer consider it a top choice for studying abroad. Source: https://globalnews.ca/news/10974302/ontario-college-student-allocation-2025/