OTTAWA, ON—Languages Canada has released its 2024 Annual Survey Report on Canada’s Official Languages Programs, offering a detailed picture of the sector’s economic contribution, enrolment trends, and evolving market dynamics.
In 2024, Languages Canada member programs welcomed over 92,500 students who generated nearly $1.04 billion in direct economic activity through tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.
Overall, the sector experienced a 15% decline in student numbers and a 13% drop in direct economic contribution compared to 2023, following two years of recovery from the pandemic. This drop is attributed to the introduction of the study permit cap in January 2024, visa processing delays, and ongoing uncertainty around shifting immigration policies.
French language program enrolments, however, rose by 14% over 2023, an increase largely attributed to Canada’s push to increase French-speaking immigration.
"Canada’s official languages education sector is not only an engine for economic growth but also a pillar of our cultural diplomacy and inclusion strategy," said Gonzalo Peralta, Executive Director of Languages Canada. "This report reveals both the strengths and vulnerabilities of the sector, and the urgent need for stable, coordinated policies to support its continued success."
Among the key findings:
- International students made up 94% of enrolments, with Asia surpassing South America as the leading source region.
- The top five source countries were Japan, Brazil, Mexico, South Korea, and China.
- French program enrolments increased, driven by targeted immigration incentives and policy advantages.
- Language-to-postsecondary pathway programs declined by 56%, largely due to the study permit cap and limited access to Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) by accredited private language schools.
- Visa refusals and policy changes by IRCC were named as the top challenges by 82% of respondents.
The report highlights that frequent changes to immigration policies and study permit caps are undermining Canada’s attractiveness as a study destination. For language programs to thrive, and for Canada to remain competitive in the global education market, federal policies must recognize the strategic role of official languages education as a foundation for student success and productivity, a driver of economic growth and jobs, and an essential factor in fostering Canada’s bilingual identity and national unity.
Languages Canada calls for a more predictable, transparent, and supportive policy environment that enables students to begin their academic journeys in Canada with confidence, and that recognizes the contribution of official languages programs to Canada’s economic and cultural fabric.
Read the Executive Summary here >
About Languages Canada
Languages Canada is the national association representing 170 accredited language education programs across Canada. The association advances the success of Canada's official languages sector through advocacy, quality assurance, and research.
Media Contact
Marie-Claude Loiselle
Communications Officer
Languages Canada
info@languagescanada.ca
