Exclusive: Ontario's Bold Move - Study Permit Allocation Unveiled for 2024
Ontario has revealed its distribution plan for international study permits in 2024. The majority, 96%, will be allocated to public universities and colleges across the province, with the remaining portion shared among language schools, private universities, and other institutions. This decision aims to prioritize postsecondary programs at public institutions to equip graduates with skills needed in Ontario's workforce.
Gurmeet Sharma
Career colleges, typically private institutions, will not receive any international student study permit applications under this allocation. The government emphasizes prioritizing programs in high-demand areas such as skilled trades, healthcare, STEM fields, hospitality, and childcare. Additionally, there will be a focus on French-language enrollment to meet employer demand for bilingual workers.
Key points from the press release include:
- Institutions cannot exceed the number of permits issued in 2023.
- The ratio of international permits cannot surpass 55% of the institution's 2023 first-year domestic enrollment, excluding high-demand areas.
- Public universities, excluding Algoma University, will maintain 2023 application levels.
- Eleven public colleges will also maintain 2023 application levels, with some seeing declines, notably those with public-private partnerships and Conestoga College.
This allocation decision follows a directive from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to cap study permits for international undergraduate students nationwide in 2024 and 2025. IRCC's cap excludes primary and secondary students, as well as master's and doctoral candidates.
Comparatively, Ontario's allocation leans heavily towards public institutions, in contrast to British Columbia's more balanced split between public and private postsecondary institutions. Ontario is yet to disclose its total allocation for study permit applications, but guidelines from IRCC suggest it will be the highest among provinces and territories due to its population size.
Regarding Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs), Ontario is expected to announce its issuance system soon, in compliance with the federal deadline of March 31st. International students seeking PALs are advised to contact their chosen school for details. The Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) clarifies that students won't apply for PALs directly; instead, their chosen Designated Learning Institution (DLI) will apply on their behalf to the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities. Upon approval, students will receive their PAL from their DLI.
