Canada is entering a new phase in its international education system.
Following years of rapid growth in student arrivals and pressure on housing, IRCC has introduced significant policy changes for 2024–2028, including the 2026 academic cycle.
The federal government’s main goal for the coming years is clear:
Make the system more sustainable, more selective, and more supportive of long-term talent needs.
Below is a complete overview of what international students can expect in 2026 — including new opportunities, new limits, and the practical realities of studying in Canada.
