International applications for first-time students have plummeted nearly 60 per cent at Brandon University, and its president is blaming federal policies capping the number of students allowed to study in Canada.

David Docherty says the number of international freshmen admitted to the university plunged to 54 in 2024 from 195 in 2023.

"The word is out in the international community for students … that Canada is no longer as welcoming as it was," Docherty said. "That's why we're seeing the dramati…