TORONTO - In response to the federal government’s decision to further reduce the number of international students permitted to study in Canada, Ontario is continuing to prioritize public postsecondary programs that will help prepare graduates for in-demand jobs that support Ontario’s labour market needs.
“As we have been from the beginning, our government is laser focused on ensuring students in Ontario receive the skills they need to succeed in industries that address our province’s labour market needs,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “In response to this decision by the federal government, we remain steadfast in working with our colleges and universities to deliver an excellent education throughout Ontario.”
For 2025, Ontario has received 181,590 applications, which is anticipated to result in 116,740 permits for students intending to study at Ontario’s institutions. Of the 181,590 applications, 32,579 have been reserved for master’s and doctoral degree programs.
Publicly assisted colleges and universities will receive 96 per cent of the allocations, with the remaining four per cent going to Ontario’s language schools, private universities and other institutions. Career colleges will not receive any applications. All public institutions will receive at least the same number of applications as they used in 2024.
As announced by the federal government, the province must also include applications for master’s and doctoral students and students extending their study visas by transitioning from an Ontario high school in its 2025 allocation, a change from the 2024 allocation requirements.
Ontario has updated its list of high-priority labour market areas to ensure enrolment is aligned with programs eligible for federal post-graduation work permits, such as the skilled trades, health human resources, STEM, child-care and French-language programs. Ontario will continue to work with the federal government to better align eligibility for its post-graduation work permits with additional key in-demand industries including hospitality, manufacturing, automotive and dentistry.
The government continues to protect the integrity of the postsecondary education system by working alongside the sector to ensure the province is attracting the best and brightest international students to Ontario.
Quick Facts
Effective January 22, 2025, the cap and provincial attestation letter (PAL) requirement now apply to individuals applying to master’s and doctoral degree programs, as well as study permit extensions for students changing designated learning institutions, including in-Canada grade 12 international students entering into Ontario’s postsecondary education system.
For 2025, Ontario has received 181,590 applications, which is anticipated to result in 116,740 permits for students intending to study at Ontario’s institutions.
Of the 181,590 applications, 32,579 have been prescribed as reserved for master’s and doctoral degree programs.
In comparison, in 2024, Ontario was allocated 235,000 applications, with a target of 141,000 approved study permits, with master’s and doctoral students exempt.
Throughout 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced changes to the International Student Program for 2024 and 2025, including a cap on the number of study permits issued to international students, and post-graduation work permit eligibility.
To acquire an attestation letter to study in Ontario, students should contact their admissions office at the Ontario postsecondary institution where they have accepted their offer of admission and intend to enrol. Students can also visit the ministry website for more information.
Additional Resources
Comments