For many Indian families, Canada was once the first choice for higher studies. From 2015 till 2023, the number of Indian students flying to Canadian universities and colleges kept climbing. Parents saw it as a safe country with good job opportunities after graduation. But now, things look very different.
In 2024 and 2025, the trend has completely reversed. The year 2025 has brought a big fall in the number of Indian students in Canada, raising serious worries for students, parents, and even Canadian colleges that depend heavily on them.
The Rise of Indian Students in Canada (2015–2023)
The growth story was nothing short of amazing:
- 2015 – Around 31,920 students went from India to Canada.
- 2019 – The figure jumped to 138,595.
- 2020 – COVID-19 slowed things down, but recovery was quick.
- 2023 – A record 278,005 Indian students were in Canada.
This was a massive 770% jump in just eight years. By 2023, Indians had become the largest international student group in Canada, even bigger than Chinese students. Their presence added nearly CAD 22 billion every year to Canada’s economy through fees, rent, and living expenses.
The Decline Begins (2024–2025)
After years of nonstop growth, the numbers suddenly dropped:
- In 2024, Indian students fell to 188,255 – a 32% drop compared to 2023.
- In 2025, the fall became sharper. Between January and July, only 52,765 permits were issued. If the trend continues, the year may end with around 90,454 students.
This means a 52% decline compared to 2024, and nearly a 67% fall compared to 2023.
In simple words, two out of every three Indian students who once planned for Canada are no longer going there.
Why Are Indian Students Turning Away from Canada?
The reasons are many, and together they paint a difficult picture:
- Strict Visa Rules – Canada has capped study permits and made Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) rules tougher.
- High Expenses – Tuition fees (CAD 20,000–40,000 per year) and living costs keep rising.
- Other Countries Competing – The USA, UK, Australia, and Germany are becoming attractive alternatives.
- Housing Shortages – Affordable accommodation is a major issue in cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
- Family Finances – Middle-class families are finding it hard to manage the high overall cost.
How Is Canada Affected?
The sharp fall in Indian students is not just a student issue—it’s an economic one:
- Loss of Billions – Canada may lose CAD 10.5 billion compared to 2023.
- Universities Struggling – Many Canadian colleges rely on international tuition for 20–30% of their revenue.
- Workforce Shortage – Fewer graduates mean fewer young workers in IT, healthcare, and service industries.
Other Countries Filling the Gap
While Indian numbers are falling, students from other countries are growing. The main sources in 2024–2025 include:
- China – 56,260
- Nigeria – 29,117
- Philippines – 25,930
- Vietnam – 11,356
- Iran, Algeria, Mexico, France, Korea – steady growth
Top Alternatives for Indian Students in 2025
With Canada becoming tougher, many Indian students are now considering:
- United States – Prestigious universities and research opportunities.
- Australia – Smooth visa process and post-study work options.
- United Kingdom – Shorter courses and global recognition.
- Germany – Public universities with little to no tuition fees.
Common Struggles Abroad
Wherever students go, they often face:
- High study and living costs
- Visa and immigration hurdles
- Problems in finding affordable housing
- Adjusting to new cultures and languages
- Homesickness and financial pressure
Why Students Still Choose Abroad
Despite the struggles, the benefits remain strong:
- Access to world-class education
- Better chances of jobs and permanent residency (PR)
- International exposure and cultural learning
- Global career networks and improved communication skills
Final Thoughts
The sharp decline of Indian students in Canada in 2025 marks a turning point. For almost a decade, Canada was seen as the “dream destination.” But now, high costs and strict rules are pushing Indian students to look at other countries.
For parents and students, the key is to compare options carefully—USA, UK, Australia, and Germany may now offer better value for money.
Canada is still a good choice for some, but clearly, the golden growth years from 2015 to 2023 are over.
