Documents obtained by CBC News reveal which colleges and universities account for the greatest share of Canada's steep growth in international students, and which now have the most to lose from a new cap on permits to study in this country.
The data, obtained through access to information requests to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), shows the number of study permits granted each year since 2018 for foreign students to attend post-secondary institutions across the country.
A CBC News analysis of the data reveals that what has been framed as a nationwide explosion in international student numbers — prompting Ottawa to impose an immediate two-year cap — is disproportionately linked to a handful of schools, the vast bulk of them public institutions, predominantly in Ontario.
- Of the 30 Canadian colleges and universities granted the most international study permits last year, all but one are public.
- Just 10 Ontario public colleges account for nearly 30 per cent of all study permits issued across the country over the past three years.
- Twelve Ontario public colleges have at least tripled their annual permit numbers since 2018.
The data calls into question claims by both federal and provincial politicians blaming "bad actors" among private colleges for fuelling the spike in international students.
Top 10 list: study permits for international students in 2023
Colleges and universities with the most study permit applications approved in 2023 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
| Conestoga College |
Ontario |
30,395 |
|
University Canada West |
B.C. |
13,913 |
|
Fanshawe College |
Ontario |
11,706 |
|
Niagara College Canada |
Ontario |
11,199 |
|
Seneca College |
Ontario |
11,042 |
|
Lambton College |
Ontario |
9,639 |
|
Centennial College |
Ontario |
9,529 |
|
Algoma University |
Ontario |
9,329 |
|
Sheridan College |
Ontario |
9,211 |
|
Fleming College |
Ontario |
8,849 |