Study in Canada
Canada to Approve 292,000 Study Permits for College and Undergraduate Students in 2024
Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, shared insights about the allocation of study permits in Canada for college and undergraduate students in 2024. The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has imposed a cap on study permit applications, aiming to address “unsustainable growth” in the international student program.
The Cap on Study Permit in Canada
On January 22nd, IRCC established an overall intake cap of approximately 360,000 study permit applications for the year. However, it has been clarified that this cap includes exemptions for certain study permits. Consequently, the actual number of new study permits expected to be approved for college and undergraduate students is approximately 292,000.
Despite the cap on applications, Minister Marc Miller clarified during a Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM) meeting that he has the authority to limit the number of applications processed but not the actual issuance of visas. The cap is calculated based on assumed acceptance and rejection rates.
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IRCC has delegated the implementation of the study permit cap to provincial governments, requiring them to issue Provincial Attestation Letters – PALs to eligible international students. PALs confirm a student’s authorization under the province or territory where their school is located, contributing to the province’s study permit allocation.
Provinces have until March 31, 2024, to establish systems for delivering PALs to students. British Columbia and Alberta have already outlined their processes, with PALs being distributed through Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) and applying to the provincial government once eligibility criteria are met.
Canada-ASEAN Scholarships
Global Affairs Canada is offering scholarships in Canada for students from ASEAN member states, promoting short-term study or research in post-secondary institutions. The Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) program contributes to strengthening ties between Canada and the Indo-Pacific region.
| Program Name | Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and SEED Program |
| Funding Organization | Global Affairs Canada |
| Target Audiences | Canadian post-secondary institutions |
| Duration | 4 to 8 months |
| Inclusions | Airfare, living expenses, health insurance, visa fees, etc. |
| Deadline | March 21, 2024 |
As Canada takes measured steps to manage the influx of international students, the study permit in Canada shows the importance of sustainable growth. Prospective students are encouraged to navigate the evolving landscape, keeping abreast of provincial guidelines and exploring scholarship opportunities for a fulfilling educational journey in Canada.
