Study in Canada
Why Canada’s Language Schools Are Seeing an 18% Enrollment Decline
Canada has long been one of the world’s top destinations for international students. Its welcoming environment, strong academic institutions, and high quality of life make it a top choice, especially for those looking to improve their English or French skills.
But recently, something changed.
Canada’s language schools face an 18% enrollment decline in 2024, a trend that has language educators, immigration experts, and policy watchers deeply concerned. While the core of Canadian education remains strong, this sudden drop has triggered a closer look into what caused it and what lies ahead.
Let’s unpack the key details.
Policy Changes That Created a Ripple Effect
In 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced several new rules affecting international students. These included changes to visa processing, study permit limits, and stricter eligibility checks.
These updates were meant to tighten oversight, but they came with consequences:
- Visa delays and rejections rose across the board
- Pathway programs (which bridge language students to college/university) saw a 56% drop
- Schools reported fewer enrollments and shorter student stays
- Language centers, many of which rely on international students for survival, suddenly faced budget cuts, job losses, and program reductions.
Economic Value Still Strong, Despite the Dip
Even with this decline, language education in Canada continues to contribute significantly to the economy. In 2024 alone, over 92,500 students generated nearly CAD $1.04 billion through tuition, housing, and daily living expenses.
Why is this important?
Because language programs are not just classrooms. They:
- Help students integrate faster into Canadian society
- Prepare learners for academic and career success
- Boost tourism, housing, and local businesses
- Strengthen Canada’s global reputation as a bilingual nation
Despite the slowdown, the foundation remains solid. What’s needed now is a smarter approach to policy that supports the growth, not the restriction, of this vital sector.
Where Are the Students Coming From?
Even in a difficult year, interest in learning languages in Canada remains high.
Top Source Countries in 2024:
| Rank | Country |
| 1 | Japan |
| 2 | South Korea |
| 3 | China |
| 4 | Brazil |
| 5 | Mexico |
| 6 | Colombia |
| 7 | France |
| 8 | Vietnam |
| 9 | Taiwan |
| 10 | Canada (internal Francophone/Anglophone switch) |
Interestingly, Asia led the charge, contributing 42% of total enrollments and 48% of student weeks.
The Most Popular Courses?
- General English and French programs, 76% of all enrollments
- Pathway programs only 8% after a sharp 56% decline
This shift suggests that students still want to learn the language, but they’re cautious about enrolling in programs tied directly to higher education progression.
Time to Realign and Rebuild
The good news? Dialogue is already underway.
Languages Canada, the organization representing most of the country’s language training institutions, is actively speaking with the new immigration leadership. Their goal is to reverse the damage done in 2024 and find realistic, student-first solutions.
Key recommendations include:
- Speeding up visa approvals for short-term language students
- Supporting pathway students with clear permit transition rules
- Acknowledging language education as essential to long-term immigration success
Canada’s future depends on attracting and retaining global talent, and language is where that journey begins.
There’s Still Time to Fix What Matters
While Canada’s language schools face an 18% enrollment decline, this isn’t the end of the road. It’s a warning sign and an opportunity.
Canada has the tools, reputation, and public support to restore growth. But it will take quick action, smarter policies, and genuine support for the institutions that help newcomers succeed. If done right, language schools can continue being one of Canada’s strongest assets in global education.
