Grad student visas double since 2025

The number of international graduate students coming to Canada is growing dramatically, according to data obtained by University Affairs. 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued more than twice as many new study permits to international grad students in April, May and June of 2026, compared to the same period the previous year. The figures are significant: 6,455 permits this spring, versus 3,085 in 2025. 

In addition to new study visas, IRCC figures show that, in the April to June timeframe, extensions of existing grad student visas also rose sharply: from 3,935 in 2025 to 8,035 in 2026.

The jump came even as the overall number of applications fell slightly. In the second quarter of 2026, 23,480 international grad students sought a new or extended study permit. That compares to 26,820 during the same period in 2025.

The sharp rise in visa approvals reflects the fact that the proportion of foreign student visas issued to graduate students versus undergrads is growing, explained IRCC spokesperson Melissa Zeroual. “The number of study permits issued to master’s and doctoral students represented 12 per cent of the total in 2025 — and 21 per cent so far this year,” she said.  

UBC sees rise in applications from around the world

While many universities won’t release their grad student enrolment figures until the end of the year, the University of British Columbia (UBC) is one school that reported the number of applications is up. 

“International graduate student applications have increased 15 per cent in 2026, with a 30-per-cent increase for doctoral programs,” says Shane Moore, marketing and recruitment manager in the faculty of graduate and postdoctoral studies. 

UBC cites strong interest among students from the United States, India, Nigeria and Iran. The number of applications from Mexico, the United Kingdom, Taiwan and Turkey is also growing.

Joseph Wong, vice president, international, at the University of Toronto, told University Affairs that supporting international graduate students is essential to the school’s success. 

“Last year, we introduced one of the highest beneficiary packages in Canada for PhD and doctor of juridical science students, raising it to $40,000 including tuition, to benefit approximately 2,800 [international and domestic] students,” Dr. Wong said. 

Grad visas plummet — then rebound

After implementing an overall cap on the number of international study permits in January 2024, the federal government has recently shifted to a more nuanced approach, aimed at attracting graduate students. 

Prior to the cap, many college and university undergrad programs were loading up on international students to meet their budget challenges. Overseas students pay much higher tuition fees than Canadians; therefore, each international student generates more revenue. The visa crackdown in 2024 affected foreign students at all levels: undergraduate, master’s and PhD.

In imposing a strict limit in 2024, former Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller criticized some private sector institutions as being the educational equivalent of “puppy mills.” As a result, Canada’s standing as a study destination was tarnished, and prospective international students turned their sights on other countries. 

“There was definitely some damage to the brand,” says Robert Asselin, president of U15, an organization representing 15 of Canada’s research-intensive universities. “Reform was necessary, but the government went to the other extreme. Now we need a more balanced approach and to restore our reputation.” 

The ‘Carney Effect’ burnishes Canada’s reputation

It’s in that context that, earlier this year, the Liberal government exempted grad students from the requirement to have a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL or TAL). These letters show that a province or territory has accounted for the student under its allocation of study permits for the year. 

“This exemption removes an administrative barrier for graduate students in recognition of their unique contribution to Canada’s economic growth and innovation,” says Ms. Zeroual. The government has also promised PhD applicants that their paperwork will be processed within 14 days. 

The increase in foreign grad students is not a temporary phenomenon, Ms. Zeroual says. “IRCC is expecting this trend to continue with new measures directed at graduate students in 2026 and a continued focus on attracting talent at the master’s and PhD level.” 

“The growth is great news,” says Mr. Asselin. “Because we need more grad students, especially at the doctoral level.” 

He credits Prime Minister Mark Carney’s efforts to build international partnerships in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to Canadian sovereignty. “This has had a tremendous impact on our brand and our attractiveness to international students.”