Raising the Bar: Why Canada Must Focus on Quality, Not Quantity, in International Student Recruitment

In recent months, headlines have pointed to a surprising trend for Canada - international student enrolment at colleges and universities is expected to drop considerably this year. This has led to concerns among educational institutions that rely on international students for enrolment and diversity within their programs. In response, some institutions have opted for a 'quick fix' solution to declining applications: lowering their admission standards.

Top applicants can rest assured this will not be the approach of Lambton College, which for years has maintained highly competitive admissions to attract the best and brightest international students (I wrote an article on that very subject HERE). We're fully committed to selecting the most qualified candidates, preparing them for post graduation employment success, and in doing so, reinforcing Canada’s reputation as the best choice for top international talent.

A Shared Responsibility

Colleges and universities bear a responsibility to act in the best interest of their applicants. Institutions should carefully assess whether a student has the potential to thrive in their programs and in Canada’s competitive labor market. This is why admission standards (and, visa standards) matter — they help protect students from entering situations they may not be ready for, and they ensure that the students who are admitted are well-positioned for success.

Likewise, it’s important for prospective international students to ask themselves if they’re prepared to succeed abroad. Just because admission is granted by a public institution does not guarantee success. Studying in a new country, often in a different language, is challenging. It requires not only academic aptitude but also cultural adaptability and the resilience to navigate a new environment. Students must be honest with themselves about their own ability to thrive in this setting, whether studying in Canada or any other country. ?

Ready for Success

In our experience, top-tier international applicants excel in all aspects of their Canadian journey. These students are more likely to make smart, informed decisions when it comes to program selection, housing, budgeting, and other personal matters. They’re also less likely to fall victim to scams or bad advice, which can be common challenges for international students, many of whom are traveling abroad and living independently for the first time.

Stronger students are more academically focused, which means they are more likely to succeed in their studies, maintain high grades, and stay engaged with their coursework. This drive often goes beyond the classroom. These students are more inclined to get involved in community activities, volunteer opportunities, and networking events, all of which contribute to a richer, more fulfilling experience in Canada.

When it comes to employment, these students naturally stand out. With stronger academic profiles and a well-rounded approach to their time in Canada, they are better-equipped to impress future employers. At Lambton College, we believe in fostering this kind of balanced profile, supporting our students not just academically but in all aspects of their Canadian experience.

The Way Forward

Instead of lowering admission standards, Canadian colleges and universities should commit to attracting and supporting top talent. This will have a far more positive and long-term impact on application volumes, the reputation of Canadian education, and the success of international students.

Here’s how Lambton is doing this:

• We continue?to maintain high standards and competitive admissions, prioritizing applicants whose backgrounds suggest a track record of academic and professional success. Lambton regularly achieves the highest study permit approval rate among public Ontario colleges - a testament to our long-standing dedication to quality admissions. ?
• We continue?to offer specialized programs with co-op, applied learning, and research opportunities to make important connections between international students and Canadian employers. For example, in the Winter 2025 intake, 100% of our programs include a co-op or field placement opportunity, and we remain a top-5 applied research college in Canada.
• We continue?to invest in student support services including scholarships, housing assistance, volunteer opportunities, clubs, activities, and co-op & career services. We're also among a very small number of institutions across Canada to offer a dedicated International Graduate Services & Support Centre.

Conclusion

We're proud to maintain our competitive admission standards, investing in our students, our programs, and our support services to encourage long-term success. Our recruitment is not just about filling classrooms; it’s about ensuring that our graduates are competitive, skilled, and ready to contribute to the Canadian economy. I’m hopeful all institutions will realize that restoring applicant demand for Canada will come from producing exceptional graduate outcomes, not from lowering admission standards.

If you're a prospective applicant, don't shy away from institutions with high standards and competitive admissions; gravitate toward them and surround yourself with the best and brightest. Canada is full of opportunities, and Lambton's admission team stands ready to review your application with the rigor it deserves.

Mathew Radford - Associate Director of International Recruitment, Lambton College