Ontario says it is refocusing international student allocations to meet labour market needs as federal limits on study permits tighten again in 2026.
The province has been allocated 104,780 Provincial Attestation Letters, with a cap of 70,074 international study permits. That’s a 42 per cent reduction from 2025 and the third consecutive year of declining allocations. Provincial officials say the approach will prioritize programs that prepare graduates for in-demand jobs critical to Ontario’s economy.
According to the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, publicly assisted colleges and universities will receive 96 per cent of the province’s 2026 allocations, while the remaining four per cent will be shared among language schools, private universities, and other institutions. Ontario will also continue a voluntary mid-year return of unused attestation letters to ensure the province maximizes its federal allocation.
Starting in 2026, master’s and doctoral students at publicly assisted colleges and universities will no longer require a Provincial Attestation Letter, though they will still count toward Ontario’s overall cap. Graduate students attending private institutions will continue to need attestation letters.
Despite the federal reductions, the province says it is making record investments in postsecondary education. Budget 2025 includes nearly $1 billion to support more than 100,000 additional seats in priority programs such as construction trades, nursing, teaching, and STEM disciplines.
Ontario officials say the strategy is aimed at protecting the integrity of the postsecondary system, attracting high-quality international students, and ensuring graduates are prepared to contribute to key sectors that support economic growth across the province.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
