Canada’s Language Training Sector Reports Sharpest Enrolment Decline In Years

A new report from Languages Canada, drawing on responses from more than 150 English and French language programs across the country, shows a marked downturn in 2025. Student numbers fell 13% and total student weeks fell 19% compared to the previous year, continuing a decline that first emerged in 2023 and 2024.

Just over 81,600 students were enrolled in Canadian language programs in 2025, with 92% studying English and 8% studying French, spending a combined total of roughly 798,900 weeks in their studies. The association describes the sector as now roughly half the size it was before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Policy Environment Identified As the Primary Driver

According to the report, Canada’s immigration and study permit policies have had a considerably larger impact on international student numbers than the federal government initially anticipated. Language-training providers have been particularly affected, as they receive substantially fewer study permit allocations than universities and colleges.

While global economic conditions and rising competition from other study destinations have also played a role, the report identifies the domestic policy environment as the most significant factor undermining the sector’s stability.

Economic Contribution Remains Substantial Despite the Downturn

Even amid the decline, Languages Canada reports its member institutions contributed an estimated CDN$1.03 billion directly to the Canadian economy in 2025, much of it generated through export revenue. That figure represents only a 1% decrease from 2024, underscoring the sector’s continued economic relevance even as enrolment volumes fall.

Japan Remains the Top Sending Market

Japan continues to be the largest single source of students and student weeks for Canadian language programs, followed by Brazil, South Korea, and Mexico among the top markets. Nearly every major international sending market declined in 2025, with domestic demand from Canadian students being the notable exception, remaining relatively stable given that it is unaffected by study permit policy.

How Canada Compares Globally

Canada’s decline is more pronounced than comparable markets. Student weeks fell 8% in the United States, 10% in the UK’s private sector, and 18% in Ireland over the same period. Australia’s English-language sector has also weakened substantially, with visa applications for that segment dropping 39% in 2025, driven largely by steep increases to that country’s study visa fees.

Languages Canada says it will continue advocating for policy changes needed to stabilize and rebuild the sector, in partnership with its members and industry partners.

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