Title: Indian Students Rethink Canada as Study Destination Amid Policy Changes
For many years, Canada was a dream destination for Indian students looking to continue their education abroad. Its reputable universities, chances for part-time work, and pathways to permanent residency made it appealing to numerous families. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically in 2026. According to the latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Statistics Canada, the number of international students arriving in Canada has plummeted by roughly 64% from peak numbers. With stricter visa regulations and rising living costs, many Indian students are considering other countries for their studies.
Changes in Immigration Policy
A significant reason for this decline is a recent change in Canadian immigration policies. The Canadian government has enforced stricter limits on the number of international students admitted to the country. Under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, the IRCC plans to issue study permits to only 155,000 new international students this year—a number that is roughly half of previous targets. Officials attribute this decision to the growing demands on housing, public services, and infrastructure across the nation, aiming to keep the temporary resident population below 5% of Canada’s total by 2027.
Financial Hurdles and Visa Challenges
The financial demands on students have also increased. They are now required to show proof of having at least CAD 20,635 for living expenses, in addition to their tuition fees. For many middle-class Indian families relying on educational loans, meeting this requirement has become increasingly difficult.
Furthermore, the closure of the Student Direct Stream (SDS)—a fast-track visa application process frequently used by Indian students—has complicated matters. Without SDS, applicants must go through a standard, longer process that includes more scrutiny and checks.
Key challenges for prospective students include:
- Higher financial proof needed
- Increased visa application scrutiny
- Lengthier processing times
- Greater uncertainty regarding approvals
Impact on Different Educational Institutions
The repercussions of these changes are not uniform across all educational institutions. Data from Statistics Canada shows that public colleges have faced some of the sharpest drops in international enrollments, primarily due to new restrictions surrounding the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Canada is focusing its support on programs that lead to better job prospects, especially in fields where there are labor shortages, such as:
- Healthcare
- Skilled trades
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics (STEM)
While master’s and PhD students at public universities continue to receive certain exemptions, many colleges are feeling the impact more severely.
Students Consider New Options
Beyond policy shifts, students currently in Canada are sharing their experiences online, which is influencing the decisions of prospective applicants. They point out that finding part-time jobs has become more challenging in various cities, with high rental costs also being a concern.
Additionally, worries about permanent residency are growing. With immigration pathways becoming more competitive, there’s fear that investing in education may not guarantee a stable future in Canada.
Consequently, countries like Germany, Ireland, and the United States are becoming increasingly attractive to Indian students seeking international education but expecting better opportunities elsewhere.
