By: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada 22/1/2026
A new academic study has called on the Canadian government to place greater emphasis on the housing needs of international students as it shapes future housing policies a development that could have implications for thousands of foreign nationals, including Ghanaians studying in Canada.
The study, conducted by associate professor Zhixi Zhuang of Toronto Metropolitan University, highlights the serious challenges that international students face in Canada’s strained housing market, where skyrocketing rents and limited available accommodations have made finding affordable places to live increasingly difficult.
Zhuang’s research published in The Conversation and based on interviews with students from 14 countries argues that current housing strategies often overlook the unique pressures on international students. While Canadians themselves are struggling with housing affordability, the study suggests that policy makers should consider the specific experiences and needs of students who come to the country to learn, contribute economically, and build careers.
Key Findings and Recommendations
According to the study, international students are particularly vulnerable because:
They often arrive in Canada after proving they have enough funds for tuition and living expenses yet still struggle to secure affordable housing upon arrival.
High rental costs, low vacancy rates, and competitive urban markets make it hard for students to find suitable accommodation without significant financial strain.
Some students experience overcrowding, rent increases, forced evictions, or housing scams, adding to the instability of their living situations.
The study calls on all levels of government municipal, provincial and federal as well as universities and colleges, to ensure that the voices of international students are central in crafting housing policy. It argues that their lived experiences should help shape solutions to housing challenges rather than being ignored or sidelined.
Why It Matters
Housing has been a longstanding concern in Canada, with rents rising sharply in cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal over the past decade. For international students including many from Ghana these costs can be especially burdensome, since many arrive on study permits with limited work hours and tight budgets.
While Canada’s immigration system requires students to prove they have sufficient funds before arriving, critics argue that pre-arrival financial thresholds do not guarantee access to suitable housing, particularly in overheated markets with limited supply.
The study’s author also warns that without better coordination between immigration, education and housing policy, foreign students may face ongoing barriers that affect their academic success and overall well-being.
Looking Ahead
As Canada continues to attract a growing number of international students each year, debates around housing support and policy reforms are likely to intensify. For students from Ghana and other countries navigating the challenges of studying abroad, this study highlights an important area where government action could make a meaningful difference.
