Canada was once a dream destination for Indian students. Is that changing?

Decline in applications reshapes educational choices

In Delhi, an education agency observes a stark shift in student preferences. While brochures from Italian, German, and Australian universities remain popular, Canada has nearly vanished from their selection. Shobhit Anand, founder of the firm, notes that prior to 2023, the majority of applications targeted Canada. Now, he reports a 79% decline in interest. “Families are hesitant. The visa rejection rate has spiked,” Anand explains.

Policy shifts and rising costs

A Canadian audit report reveals that Indian students accounted for just 8.1% of the country’s international student population in September 2025—down from 51.6% in 2023. Factors include stricter immigration rules, increased living expenses, and a 2023 diplomatic rift that strained relations. Though tensions have eased, the damage to student confidence persists.

Financial hurdles and visa challenges

The Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), a key requirement for study permits, doubled from C$10,000 to over C$20,000 in 2024. Sushil Sukhwani of Edwise Overseas Education highlights the strain on families. “Meeting this threshold is tough. With visa rejections rising, they’re more cautious,” he says. Study permit rejections climbed from 38% to 52% between 2023 and 2024, per ICEF Monitor data.

Scrapping of fast-track visa program

The Canadian auditor general’s report also critiques the abandoned Student Direct Stream (SDS) initiative. Once a favored route for Indian applicants, SDS allowed expedited approvals for those with sufficient funds and language skills. Approval rates for Indians surged to 98% in 2024, but concerns about fraud and asylum claims led to its closure.

Job market struggles

Private colleges, which thrived during the “international student boom” post-pandemic, now face criticism. Many prioritized enrollment over academic quality, creating a mismatch between graduates and available jobs. As a result, students often find themselves unable to recoup their investments.

One such case is recounted by Anand. A 24-year-old student who relocated to Canada two years ago returned to India after struggling to secure stable employment. “He couldn’t afford basic expenses,” Anand says, illustrating the growing uncertainty. With policy changes and economic pressures, the once-reliable path to Canada is now questioned by families planning to send their children abroad.

“There’s real fear. Even if you get there, can you make it work?”