Indian students are the most affected, but applicants from Asia and Africa are also facing increased rejections. Admission figures highlight the trend – Canada allowed only 1.88 lakh new Indian students in 2024, far fewer than in previous years.
This drop has reshaped global study preferences. Germany has now overtaken Canada as the top choice for Indian students, with 31% choosing German universities. Canada’s popularity has plunged, slipping from 18% in 2022 to just 9% in 2024.
Experts say the issue is not just about rejection but a shift in policy. “For decades, the US and Canada have been global magnets for international students. What we’re seeing is not rejection, but fine-tuning – ensuring opportunities remain sustainable for both international and domestic talent,” says Paneet Singh, AVP – University Partnerships at upGrad Study Abroad.
The Canadian government has justified the move, citing domestic housing shortages, infrastructure pressures, and political demands. Students are now required to provide stronger financial documents, detailed study plans, and language test results. The minimum financial requirement has doubled to more than CA$20,000.
Work rules have also tightened. Some post-graduation work opportunities have been cut, and the Student Direct Stream – once a faster approval route – has been shut down. In 2025, Ottawa will issue only 437,000 study permits, 10% fewer than last year. Out of these, 73,000 will be for postgraduates, 243,000 for undergraduates and others, while around 120,000 will go to renewals and school-level students.
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For Indian students and their families, the wave of rejection means heartbreak. Parents spend large sums on applications, tests, and processing fees, only to see their children’s dreams collapse. For many, studying in Canada was also seen as a pathway to permanent residency, a future now uncertain.
Universities in Canada are also feeling the strain. Overseas tuition fees have long supported their budgets, and with fewer international students, smaller colleges could face severe financial trouble or even be forced to merge.
Experts also warn that the rise of global campuses in Asia, the Middle East, and other regions may reduce the number of students traveling abroad altogether. “It is worthwhile to note that many Top 50 US Universities have set up campuses in the Middle East and APAC, creating new opportunities for high-merit students seeking access to quality academics and infrastructure,” Paneet added.
Canada’s tough stance on student visas is reshaping global education trends. For Indian students, it means higher costs, stricter rules, and fading hopes of permanent residency. For Canadian universities, it means shrinking revenue and financial stress. Meanwhile, Germany and other destinations are stepping in to attract ambitious students. The dream of Canada may now be slipping away for many families.
