Across Canada, many postsecondary institutions are reporting a decline in international student interest due to federal policy changes. CBC reports that international enrolment has dropped by about 3,000 people in Atlantic Canada and that the student permit cap is expected to cost the region approximately $163M. Manitoba colleges and universities are also reportedly seeing decreased demand, with many attestation letters left undistributed. “At the heart of it, the challenge is that international students are just confused about Canada, no longer see Canada as their top option and so, they withdrew applications,” said University of Manitoba President Michael Benarroch. Selkirk College President Maggie Matear echoed Benarroch’s sentiments in her comments to My Nelson Now, stating that the college is seeing a reduced interest from abroad as a result of Canada’s changing reputation.
