Nova Scotia university enrolment continues to drop, new statistics show
Nova Scotia university enrolment fell 3.3% to 45,758 students as of October 1, 2026, a decline of 1,544 students from a year earlier. Falling international enrolment following federal study-permit restrictions was a major contributor.
Cape Breton University experienced the sharpest decline. Its international student population has fallen from nearly 7,000 in fall 2023 to approximately 1,400 this fall, placing pressure on university finances and contributing to staffing and program reductions.
The decline is part of a broader Atlantic trend, although the Association of Atlantic Universities reported an increase in first-year domestic students across the region.
Lower international enrolment may soften demand for student accommodation, particularly in communities heavily dependent on university populations. Housing providers should assess local enrolment, leasing inquiries and vacancy trends when planning renewals, marketing and future investment.
Source: CBC News