At an overseas education consultancy in Delhi, parents and students are exploring options like Italy, Germany, and Australia, while Canada—a once-popular choice—faces an 80% drop in applications. Shobhit Anand, who manages the consultancy, reports that the high rate of visa rejections and immigration restrictions are major deterrents for families. A recent Canadian auditor general report revealed that only 8.1% of incoming international students in September 2025 were from India, down from 51.6% in 2023. The decline is linked to rising living costs, tightening visa requirements, and a diplomatic crisis between India and Canada, which is now improving. The past decade saw Canada becoming a favored destination for average Indian students, often providing straightforward pathways to permanent residency. However, increased costs, including a hefty double of the proof-of-funds requirement (GIC), and job scarcity have made studying in Canada less favorable. With a heightened risk of study permit rejections—from 38% in 2023 to 52% in 2024—families are reconsidering this route. Indian students previously attracted by the appealing education and work opportunities are now facing uncertainty, prompting them to weigh alternative destinations.
Is Canada Losing Its Appeal for Indian Students?
Is Canada Losing Its Appeal for Indian Students?
Once a favored destination, Canada sees a significant decline in Indian student applications due to visa issues, rising costs, and strained diplomatic ties. Explore the changing landscape of international education for Indian students.
Canada, once the top choice for Indian students seeking overseas education, is experiencing a significant drop in applications. Recent reports indicate a 80% reduction in applicants, attributed to higher visa rejection rates, rising living costs, and tightened immigration policies. Despite improving diplomatic relations, many students are now reconsidering their options, highlighting concerns over job opportunities and academic value. As these shifts unfold, the dream of studying in Canada is becoming a gamble for many aspiring scholars.
