Canadian and US Universities Face Historic Decline in International Enrolment
Universities in Canada and the United States are experiencing one of the most significant enrolment declines in their history due to government policies that have tightened immigration and international student regulations. The Global Enrolment Benchmark Survey—published by NAFSA, the Oxford Test of English, and Studyportals—analyzed data from 461 universities across 63 countries and revealed a major shift in global student mobility.
According to the study, North American universities have been the most affected by visa restrictions. In the United States, 85% of institutions reported that visa barriers have significantly reduced international student enrolments, while in Canada this figure reached 90%. These rates represent a dramatic increase compared to the previous year.In contrast, Asian universities reported notable growth at the undergraduate level, while European universities experienced strong increases at the postgraduate level. The United Kingdom maintained stability with moderate growth across both levels.
The study also showed that postgraduate programmes worldwide have experienced sharper declines compared to undergraduate programmes. European universities emerged as the most resilient in this category, whereas Canada was identified as the most vulnerable.As institutions look toward 2026, the top priority for most universities is “diversifying into new markets.” However, Asian countries—aligned with national strategies to boost international student numbers—prioritize more aggressive enrolment targets above diversification.