2026 study-permit cap of 408,000 (155,000 new students); public master's and doctoral students exempt
Canada · Study abroad · 2026 intake basis
| Country / region | Canada |
|---|---|
| Category | Study abroad |
| Date | 2026 intake basis |
| What happened | IRCC's 2026 ceiling is 408,000 study permits (approx. 155,000 new students plus 253,000 renewals), down 7% from 437,000 in 2025 and 16% from 2024. PAL/TAL allocations total 309,670: Ontario 104,780, Quebec 93,069, British Columbia 32,596, Alberta 32,271. From 2026-01-01, master's and doctoral students at public designated institutions are exempt from PAL/TAL and the cap. The 2025 study-permit refusal rate was approx. 59%. |
| Impact on applicants | Master's and doctoral study is a clear positive; undergraduate and college places are the most competitive. Re-assess school selection against remaining provincial allocations — outcome turns on funds, the study plan and "intent to return home". |
| Source: {src} | IRCC (2026 international student cap announcement) ↗ |
Source: IRCC (2026 international student cap announcement) ↗ · Last verified: 2026-09-20 · For reference only; not application or legal advice. Always check the official source for current rules.
FAQ
2026 study-permit cap of 408,000 (155,000 new students); public master's and doctoral students exempt — what happened?
IRCC's 2026 ceiling is 408,000 study permits (approx. 155,000 new students plus 253,000 renewals), down 7% from 437,000 in 2025 and 16% from 2024. PAL/TAL allocations total 309,670: Ontario 104,780, Quebec 93,069, British Columbia 32,596, Alberta 32,271. From 2026-01-01, master's and doctoral students at public designated institutions are exempt from PAL/TAL and the cap. The 2025 study-permit refusal rate was approx. 59%.
What does this mean for applicants?
Master's and doctoral study is a clear positive; undergraduate and college places are the most competitive. Re-assess school selection against remaining provincial allocations — outcome turns on funds, the study plan and "intent to return home".
Where does this information come from?
IRCC (2026 international student cap announcement), verified by us on 2026-09-20.
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