Canadian University Faces Closure as Decline in International Students Hits Finances

Winnipeg, Canada: The Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) is set to close next year due to a sharp drop in international student admissions, highlighting the financial strain faced by some Canadian universities.

Declining International Enrollment

Canada’s government has imposed limits on international student intake, issuing only 155,000 study permits in 2025. As a result, universities across the country have seen a significant decline in foreign enrollments. MITT reported a 55% decrease in international student admissions during the 2025 academic year. Between January and November 2025, approximately 157,380 fewer new international students arrived in Canada. In November alone, the issuance of new study permits fell by 97%.

Financial Impact on MITT

According to a memo on MITT’s official website, revenue from international students dropped from $23.2 million to $9.5 million, a 60% decline between the 2024–25 and 2025–26 academic years. The institute stated that its current financial model is no longer sustainable. Rene Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training, confirmed that the closure is directly linked to the government’s restrictions on international students.

Support for Current Students

MITT assured that its current students will be supported. The institute is working with the Province of Manitoba and Red River College Polytechnic to ensure that students can complete their courses. Degrees from MITT will continue to be recognized, allowing students enrolled in programs such as welding, carpentry, and cybersecurity to finish their education. In the 2024–25 academic year, MITT had roughly 2,000 international students, making up 40% of its total enrollment.

The closure of MITT underscores the impact of declining international enrollments on Canadian higher education institutions, and raises questions about how other universities will cope with similar trends.