Canada continues to adjust its international student intake strategy for 2026, introducing a tighter cap on study permits while offering notable exemptions for postgraduate students.
2026 Study Permit Numbers
The Canadian government will issue up to 408,000 study permits in 2026, which includes 155,000 permits for newly arriving international students and 253,000 extensions for current and returning students. This represents a 16% decrease from the 2024 target of 485,000 permits.
Great News for Master's & PhD Students
Starting January 1, 2026, master's and doctoral students enrolled at a public designated learning institution (DLI) no longer need to submit a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) with their study permit application. This exemption recognises the unique contributions postgraduate students make to Canada's economic growth and innovation.
Financial Requirements
- Applicants must demonstrate access to at least CA$22,895 (for one person) in addition to first-year tuition fees
- This proof of funds requirement has been in effect since September 2025
- Funds must be readily accessible — term deposits or locked savings may not qualify
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- IRCC added 119 new PGWP-eligible fields in healthcare, trades, and education
- Currently 1,107 eligible programs are listed
- Bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs remain fully eligible regardless of field of study
What This Means for You
If you're considering studying in Canada, the reduced cap means competition for study permits will be tighter. Applying early and having a strong application package is more important than ever. Postgraduate students benefit from the PAL exemption, making the process smoother for master's and PhD applicants.
Canada is moving from volume-driven growth to a more targeted, controlled intake — aiming to reduce its temporary resident population to below 5% by late 2027.