At an overseas education consultancy in Delhi, students and their parents are seen evaluating brochures from universities across Italy, Germany, and Australia. Interestingly, Canada, which used to be a leading destination for Indian students, is now noticeably absent.
Shobhit Anand, who manages the consultancy, mentions that before 2023, a majority of their applications were directed towards Canadian institutions. However, they now report a staggering 80% drop in applications.
People don't want to apply to Canada anymore. We are also witnessing a high visa rejection rate, he states.
A recent report from Canada's auditor general disclosed that the share of Indian students in the country's international student demographic fell from 51.6% in 2023 to just 8.1% by September 2025. The downturn can be attributed to multiple factors including stricter visa regulations, escalating living expenses, and a diplomatic crisis that once strained relations between the two nations.
The allure of Canada for middle-class Indian families, largely fueled by its system offering pathways to study and settle, is fading. Job opportunities post-graduation are dwindling due to an oversupply of graduates from private colleges that have expanded rapidly during a recent surge in international enrollments.
Recent Canadian policy changes further complicate the situation. In early 2024, a cap was imposed on the number of international students eligible for undergraduate and diploma programs, limiting study permits to approximately 350,000 annually. Coupled with rising living costs and tightened financial requirements, the Canadian education system is seen as less accessible.
This shift in dynamics has led many prospective students like 17-year-old Tanishq Khurana to reconsider their options. Despite familial ties in Canada, rising visa rejection rates and limits on undergraduate admissions have made his dreams uncertain.
As Prime Minister Mark Carney seeks to improve relations with India and promote educational partnerships, the question remains whether Canada can regain its lost status as a leading destination for Indian students.
