If you have been dreaming of japa-by-student-visa, Canada just dropped new numbers you really need to understand. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced how many study permits they plan to issue in 2026. Here is the Gather breakdown.
Fewer Study Permits Overall
In 2026, IRCC expects to issue up to 408,000 study permits. The government’s goal is to bring temporary resident numbers down to 5% of Canada’s population by end of 2026.
The Masters & PhD Exemption
Masters and PhD students will be exempt from provincial caps. This is a major policy signal: Canada wants highly skilled, research-focused immigrants.
“Canada wants highly skilled, research-focused immigrants. If you have been considering a masters programme, 2026 is a strategic year.”
What This Means for Africans
Competition for undergraduate spots will be fiercer. Apply early. Consider programmes and provinces where your application stands out. If you can swing a graduate programme, the exemption is a genuine advantage.
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