In brief
Indian students are increasingly reconsidering Canada as a study destination due to soaring visa rejection rates and new immigration policies. Once holding more than half of the international student market, the share of Indian students in Canada plummeted to just over 8% in recent years. Factors such as high living costs, coupled with a two-year cap on student admissions, further complicate the landscape.
At an overseas education consultancy in New Delhi, students and parents explore options for studying abroad. Canada, once the top choice for Indian students, is now seeing markedly fewer applications. Shobhit Anand, who runs the consultancy, notes a steep 80% decline in applications to Canadian institutions due to high visa rejection rates.In a report by Canada's auditor general, it was found that the percentage of Indian students among the international cohort had dropped from 51.6% in 2023 to just 8.1% by September 2025. The shift stems from several factors, including new visa and immigration restrictions, elevated living costs, and a diplomatic crisis that strained ties in recent years, although conditions have started to improve.Historically, Canada attracted middle-class Indian families with pathways to education and residency through vocational courses. However, policy changes, such as a two-year cap on admission permits and soaring living costs, have raised barriers. Families now face challenges like a doubled Guaranteed Investment Certificate requirement, exacerbated by a spike in visa rejections—hitting 52% in 2024.While top Canadian universities seem to withstand the impact, private colleges and lesser-known institutions struggle, resulting in job shortages for graduates. Despite improved diplomatic relations, many students remain hesitant, viewing the pursuit of education in Canada as more of a gamble than a straightforward pathway to success.For students like 17-year-old Tanishq Khurana, the decision to apply has been complicated by these changing conditions, yet the pull of a familiar family network in Canada and opportunities remain strong. As Canada reopens its doors, the promise of a stable post-education life is no longer guaranteed, leaving many in a precarious position.
