Story perspectives

Study-Permit Cap Cuts Memorial University International Enrollment 45%

By Drooid · Oct 22, 2026, 6:29 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Memorial University reported a 45% drop in international enrollment after the federal study-permit cap.
Enrollment fell from 4,889 in 2023 to 2,682 in 2026.
Premier Tony Wakeham urged Ottawa to lift study-permit restrictions to meet provincial needs.
Canada’s Auditor General said the caps caused enrollment declines in smaller provinces.
Immigration officials noted 21% of permits were for master’s or doctoral programs, up from 12% the prior year.

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Story summary

Memorial University reported a 45% drop in international enrollment after the federal study-permit cap.
Enrollment fell from 4,889 in 2023 to 2,682 in 2026.
Premier Tony Wakeham urged Ottawa to lift study-permit restrictions to meet provincial needs.
Canada’s Auditor General said the caps caused enrollment declines in smaller provinces.
Immigration officials noted 21% of permits were for master’s or doctoral programs, up from 12% the prior year.