Canada’s official languages education sector recorded a 13% decline in student enrolments in 2025, according to Languages Canada’s annual survey. Student weeks fell by 19% among members that reported comparable data for both 2024 and 2025.

The survey offers a detailed look at Canada’s English and French language education sector at a time when international education providers have been adapting to changes in immigration, study permit and visa policies.

Languages Canada said its 2025 survey received responses from 160 member programs, representing a 98% participation rate. Its members reported 81,636 students and nearly 799,000 student weeks during 2025.

Student Enrolment and Study Weeks Both Declined

Among the 151 Languages Canada members that reported data in both 2024 and 2025, student numbers fell by 13% year over year.

Student weeks declined even more sharply, dropping 19%.

This indicates that the change was not limited to the number of students. The total amount of time students spent in language programs also decreased.

Languages Canada reported nearly 799,000 student weeks in 2025. The organization said some institutions reduced operations, while others closed during the difficult period.

The survey should be read as a sector-specific measure. It covers Languages Canada member programs rather than every language school or language learner in Canada.

How Did Students Enter Canada in 2025?

One of the most notable findings concerns immigration documents used by language students.

According to Languages Canada:

• 13% entered Canada on a study permit
• 40% used an Electronic Travel Authorization
• 21% used a Temporary Resident Visa
• The remainder did not require a visa or fell into other categories identified by the survey

The organization says the results reflect the nature of language education, where some programs can involve shorter periods of study and therefore do not necessarily involve a study permit.

The percentages should not be interpreted as the distribution of all international students in Canada. They specifically describe students represented in the Languages Canada survey.

Policy Changes Were Identified As One Factor

Languages Canada attributed the 2025 downturn to several factors.

These included economic uncertainty, increased competition from other international study destinations and what the organization described as the cumulative impact of Canada’s changing immigration and visa environment.

The organization specifically pointed to policy changes introduced between 2023 and mid-2025, including changes affecting study permits and international student access.

The organization is an industry association representing English and French language education providers, so its assessment should be attributed rather than presented as an independent government conclusion.

Japan Remained the Largest Source Market

Despite the decline, the sector continued to attract students from a broad range of countries.

Languages Canada reported that Japan was the largest source market in 2025, followed by Brazil, South Korea, Mexico, China and Colombia.

Taiwan, France and Italy were also among the top ten source markets.

This geographic diversity is one of the sector’s notable features. It also gives language schools a range of international markets from which to recruit students.

Public Programs Were Relatively Stable

The survey did not show the same level of decline across every part of the sector.

Languages Canada reported that public programs maintained relatively stable enrolments compared with 2024.

Institutions also expanded online and hybrid offerings, while domestic learners became more important in some segments.

This suggests that the overall 13% decline does not mean every language education provider experienced the same change.

Differences exist by institution type, location, student market and program model.

New Pathways Are Being Developed

The language education sector is also developing new models for connecting language study with further education.

Languages Canada highlighted its Joint Pathway Program, developed during the second half of 2025.

The initiative brings accredited private language programs together with Canadian colleges and universities to create integrated pathways for international students.

For international students, this type of pathway can be relevant when language preparation is part of a broader education plan.

However, prospective students should assess the specific admission, immigration and study permit requirements attached to their intended program rather than assuming that a language program automatically provides a route to a college, university or permanent residence.

What Does the 2025 Decline Mean for Study in Canada?

The survey provides another data point showing how changes in Canada’s international education environment have affected language education providers.

However, the findings should not be used to conclude that international education in Canada is declining at the same rate across all sectors.

Language schools, colleges, universities and other educational institutions operate under different models and serve different student groups.

For people considering study in Canada, the most important issue is therefore to examine the requirements of the specific program they want to attend.

Students should check:

• Whether the program requires a study permit
• Whether the institution and program are eligible under applicable immigration rules
• Admission requirements
• Language requirements
• Tuition and living costs
• Provincial or federal documentation requirements
• Whether their longer-term education plans align with current immigration rules

Sector Expects Greater Stability in 2026

Languages Canada said there were indications of greater stability in Canada’s immigration policies and processes in 2026.

The organization expressed confidence that the sector could rebuild through innovation, market diversification, international partnerships and greater policy predictability.

This outlook is the organization’s assessment and should not be treated as a government forecast.

The 2025 survey provides a historical snapshot. Future enrolment levels will depend on student demand, economic conditions, competition from other destinations, institutional decisions and the immigration and visa framework in effect at the time.

What Should International Students Know?

The decline in language-school enrolment does not mean that language education has disappeared from Canada’s international education system.

Instead, the survey shows how one segment of the sector responded to a changing policy and market environment.

Students planning to come to Canada should avoid relying on older information about study permits or immigration pathways. Canadian immigration rules can change, and requirements depend on the type and length of study and the student’s individual circumstances.

ImmigCanada immigration consulting services can help prospective students review their Study in Canada and immigration options with a Certified Canadian immigration consultant Eivy Joy Quito.