The Canadian government has rejected nearly 80 per cent of visa applications submitted by Indian students seeking to pursue higher education in the country.

Canada has long been a preferred destination for Indian students, who account for about 40 per cent of the total international student population there. In 2023 alone, over 1.88 lakh Indian students enrolled in Canadian institutions—double the figure recorded in the preceding two years. Factors such as world-class infrastructure, safety, and job opportunities had driven this surge.

However, mounting challenges like housing shortages, strained infrastructure, and growing calls to prioritise local residents have prompted the government to tighten its student visa policies. Consequently, approvals for Indian students have declined sharply in recent months.

At the close of the second quarter of the current financial year, officials reported that four out of five applications from India were turned down. The new measures also include doubling the minimum financial resources required for a visa to Rs. 13.13 lakh, stricter work permit conditions, and a cap of 4.37 lakh total student admissions for 2025.

The restrictions have not only hit Indian applicants but also those from other Asian and African countries.

Shift towards Germany
With Canada becoming less accessible, Germany has emerged as an attractive alternative. The country's robust economy, publicly funded universities, and availability of English-medium courses are drawing more Indian students. While 49,500 Indian students went to Germany in 2023, the number has risen to around 60,000 this year.