Canada Admits Over 400,000 International Students in 2019, Driven Largely by Indian Enrolments

Key Highlights

• In 2019, Canada issued approximately 404,000 new study permits, marking another record year for international student intake.
• These permits coincide with a likely international student population exceeding 600,000, up from just 200,000 in 2009.

India’s Dominant Growth

• Indian nationals accounted for nearly 140,000 study permits—35% of the total issued—solidifying India as the dominant source country for new Canadian students.
• This volume reflects a significant upward trend: Indian student enrolment grew from around 82,990 in 2017 to 219,855 in 2019—a more than 2.5-fold increase in just two years.

Broader Context: International Student Population

By the end of 2019, there were about 642,480 international students studying in Canada across all levels (from primary to post-secondary)—a 13% increase from 2018.