Canada, once a top destination for international students—especially from India—has now adopted one of its most restrictive visa policies in over a decade.
What Happened?
According to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), nearly 80% of Indian student visa applications were rejected in 2025. This marks a significant shift in Canada’s approach to international education.
Indian students usually make up about 40% of Canada’s international student population, but things have changed dramatically.
In the second quarter of 2025, four out of five Indian applicants were denied, according to a report by education platform The PIE News, citing data from BorderPass.
In comparison, over 1.88 lakh Indian students were admitted in 2024, but this was less than half of what it was just two years ago.
This rising rejection rate isn’t limited to India—it’s also affecting students from Asia, Africa, and other parts of the world. Experts believe it shows a clear change in Canada’s international student policy.
A Shift in Student Preferences
For decades, North America was seen as the top choice for international students, thanks to its safety, opportunities, and top-ranked universities.
But that preference is changing.
Canada’s share among Indian students fell from 18% in 2022 to just 9% in 2024, showing a major drop in popularity.
In contrast, Germany has become the new favourite, now chosen by 31% of Indian students—making it the top destination.
Reasons Behind Canada’s Stricter Visa Rules
The Canadian government’s decision to tighten student visa approvals is largely due to domestic issues like:
Housing shortages
Overburdened infrastructure
Political pressure to prioritize local citizens
Speaking to PIE News, Jonathan Sherman, VP of Sales and Partnerships at BorderPass, said, “It’s clear that IRCC is applying far greater scrutiny to new applications.”
He called it a “fundamental shift” in how the government processes student visas.
More Barriers for Students
In addition to higher rejection rates, Canada has also introduced other challenges:
Students now need to show financial proof of CA$20,635 (about ₹13.13 lakh)—double the previous amount.
Work regulations for international students have also become stricter.
The government plans to issue 4.37 lakh study permits in 2025, which is around 10% fewer than in 2024.
Germany on the Rise
As Canada becomes harder to access, Germany is attracting more Indian students with its:
Strong economy
Publicly funded universities
Expanding English-language programs
According to Germany’s Federal Statistical Office, the number of Indian students rose from 49,500 in 2023 to nearly 60,000 in 2025—almost doubling over five years.
This trend shows that Indian students are now choosing countries that offer affordable education, good quality, and strong job opportunities after graduation.
