Post-secondary institutions in Manitoba are reporting steep declines in international student enrolment and substantial revenue losses following the federal government’s decision to cut the province’s international student allocations by 40 per cent.
Manitoba’s international student allocations dropped to 11,196 in 2026 from 18,591 in 2025, Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable announced Thursday.
“Since the federal government announced cuts in 2024, we have heard from institutions that the changes have led to a steep decline in international student enrolment, which has resulted in a substantial decrease in revenue for our public universities and colleges,” Cable said.
Federal decision made without consultation
Cable said the federal government made its decision without consulting provinces or considering the impacts on institutions that rely on stable student numbers to deliver programs and plan budgets.
“These reductions make it difficult for institutions to plan for the long term as they rely on stable student numbers to deliver high-quality education,” she said.
The minister said universities and colleges depend on international students for financial stability and for the diversity and global perspectives they bring to campuses.
Province to engage with federal officials
The Manitoba government plans to continue working with post-secondary leaders and federal officials to address the impacts of the cuts and pursue solutions for the education system, Cable said.
She added that the province remains committed to supporting students and protecting the integrity of its post-secondary system despite the federal policy changes.
