Ontario’s Bold Move: 96% of Study Permits to Public Providers

Key Points

• Ontario universities suggested that 35% of the 235,000 eligible applications in the province should be allocated to publicly assisted universities.
• The province confirmed a $1.3 billion funding boost for colleges and universities and tuition fee freezes for domestic students in its 2024 Budget, announced on March 26.
• Starting in 2024/25, Ontario will invest $903 million in a Post-secondary Education Sustainability Fund and $203 million in targeted support for institutions with the greatest financial need over three years. 

Ontario is expected to allocate 96% of its study permit applications to public colleges and universities, following a cap requirement set by the federal government. The remaining 4% of Ontario study permits will be distributed among language schools, private universities, and other unspecified institutions, excluding career colleges. The province will prioritise high-demand areas such as skilled trades, health human resources, STEM, hospitality, and child care. Additionally, the ratio of international Ontario study permits per institution cannot exceed 55% of the 2023 first-year domestic enrolment, with French language enrolment also being prioritised. 

As per the Ontario news, Algoma University is likely to see a decline in applications, while the remaining universities are expected to maintain applications at the 2023 level. Among colleges, 11 out of 24 are expected to keep applications steady, with colleges with public partnerships and Conestoga College experiencing the largest decline.   

Ontario’s Minister of Colleges and Universities, Jill Dunlop, said, “We are protecting the integrity of our province’s post-secondary education system by getting the best and brightest international students in Ontario to study in areas that are critical to our economy.” 

The Ontario news also highlights that the province has not formally confirmed the number of allocated applications but was the most impacted province by the federal cap policy. In February, Ontario universities suggested that 35% of the 235,000 eligible applications in Ontario should be allocated to publicly assisted universities, highlights the Ontario news. 

British Columbia has verified that 53% of its 83,000 allocation will be designated for public post-secondary institutions, while the remaining 47% will be for private institutions. Nova Scotia has been assigned 12,900 Provincial Attestation Letters. These letters are being utilised to demonstrate that students have been accommodated within the cap.

In its 2024 Budget, announced on March 26, Ontario confirmed a $1.3 billion funding boost for colleges and universities and tuition fee freezes for domestic students. Starting in 2024/25, the province will invest $903 million in a Post-secondary Education Sustainability Fund and $203 million in targeted support for institutions with the greatest financial need over three years.  

On February 26, Ontario also enacted the Strengthening Accountability and Student Supports Act 2024. This legislation mandates that colleges and universities provide clear and transparent information about their mental health policies as well as policies addressing racism and hate.

Additionally, separate investments in STEM ($100 million in 2023/24), small Northern and rural colleges, and Northern universities ($10 million) aim to meet labour market demands and support financially vulnerable institutions outside major cities. Despite these efforts, universities argue that more measures are necessary to safeguard Ontario’s higher education sector in the long run.       

Steve Orsini, president and CEO of the Council of Ontario Universities, said, “Ontario’s universities share the government’s goal to put Ontario on a path towards a more promising future, as outlined in the provincial budget.” 

Universities, however, argue that more support is needed to protect Ontario’s higher education sector in the long term. The Council of Ontario Universities has urged the government to commit to the Blue-Ribbon Panel's recommendations, stating that more than $2.5 billion in base revenue is needed for the postsecondary sector over three years.

“With over a decade of declining provincial grannies, increasing demands on universities, a 10% cut to tuition and now an eight-year-long tuition freeze, as well as a federal cap on international students, Ontario’s universities are at a breaking point,” Orsini further commented.

Ontario’s study permit allocation decision is expected to impact the province’s post-secondary education landscape significantly. Public institutions will likely see increased enrolment and revenue, especially in high-demand fields like skilled trades, STEM, and hospitality. However, private institutions may struggle to attract international students and maintain enrolment levels. Overall, the goal is to attract top international talent to support Ontario’s economy. Stay updated on the latest happenings in this situation with amber news.