Were International Students Bad For Canada, Or…?

For decades, Canada has welcomed skilled professionals from around the world, signaling that its doors are open for those seeking a new home. As adults settled in, students soon followed, drawn by the promise of quality education and opportunities. This influx transformed Canada into a vibrant mosaic of cultures, languages, and cuisines.

International students were particularly attracted to the opportunity for high-quality education, employment, and pathways to permanent residence. For families, sending a child to study in Canada represented hope for a better future. This hope is slowly fading, as reflected in the rising number of students leaving Canada for other destinations, while Canada reduces the number of students it intends to invite. For instance, in August 2025, there were 45,380 new student arrivals to Canada, compared to 79,795 in August 2024. That is a 43.1% decline.

So, what’s the truth behind this group of ‘aliens’? Were they really living in the lap of luxury at the expense of other Canadians?  

Facts:

1. High Tuition Fees: International students in Canada pay significantly higher tuition than domestic students. Academic institutions rely heavily on these fees to operate, but many students arrive unprepared for the high costs.

2. Soaring Housing Costs: Finding affordable housing has become nearly impossible for students, forcing many to share cramped apartments with multiple roommates or live far from campus to save money.

3. Limited Part-Time Work Hours: International students can only work a limited number of hours while studying, and the income from these jobs often fails to cover their basic expenses.

4. Food Insecurity: An increasing number of international students are resorting to food banks and community programs to make ends meet.

5. Unexpected Healthcare Costs: While some provinces offer health insurance, many international students must purchase private coverage that doesn’t address all their needs.

6. Uncertain Immigration Policies: New caps on study permits and stricter requirements have made the pathway to permanent residence less clear.

7. Rising Mental Health Issues: The combination of financial stress, isolation, and academic pressure is taking a toll on the mental health of many students.

9. Disappointing Job Prospects: Many international students believed that a Canadian degree would lead to stable employment and a path to permanent residence, but that hope is now fading.
10. Financial Strain on Families: International students often come from families that have made significant sacrifices to support their education abroad. Parents may take out loans or sell property, and when students struggle financially, the burden on families back home intensifies.
11. Criticism of Educational Institutions: Some colleges and universities face criticism for aggressively recruiting international students without transparently communicating the actual costs of living in Canada.

11. Transportation Expenses: Navigating Canadian cities adds another layer of financial strain, with public transportation passes costing over $100 per month in major cities. Those living farther from campus to save on rent often face higher transportation costs.

What began as Canada’s effort to cultivate the leaders of tomorrow in technology and business is now stagnating. This will become increasingly evident in the coming months as our pool of workers, professionals, and yes, taxpayers, continues to dwindle.

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