Canada is shifting its international student policy towards higher education and graduate-level talent, with master’s and doctoral students accounting for 21% of new study permits issued between January and June 2026, up from 12% last year.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said the increase comes as Canada works to refocus its International Student Program on quality and sustainability. The government has introduced measures to attract more students at the master’s and doctoral levels, including faster processing for new doctoral students and simpler study permit requirements.
