Canada Sees Decline in Indian Students for Post-Secondary Education

In the first half of 2024 (January – June), Canada issued 55,500 post-secondary study permits to Indian students, representing 49% of the total international post-secondary student population. This proportion mirrors the full-year figures for 2023 and is only marginally lower than the 51% recorded in the first half of 2023.

Notably, the approval rate for study permits during this period stood at 85%, indicating that prospective Indian students face relatively low rejection rates. Despite the high approval rate, the number of study permit applications submitted by Indian students has declined noticeably. 

The reduction in application volume, while not specific to Indian students, suggests a sustained decrease in their interest in pursuing education in Canada. This trend is part of a more significant global shift in the international education landscape, with other countries emerging as more attractive study destinations and Canada's overall appeal waning. This is evident in the nearly 20% decrease in global search interest in 'study in Canada' compared to 2023.

A comparative analysis of study permit approvals reveals a significant decline in approvals for the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This trend is observed across most student populations, with notable exceptions including China, Ghana, and Guinea, where approval numbers have remained relatively stable. These exceptions provide a balanced view of the international student population in Canada.

In January 2024, Canada implemented a two-year cap on international student permit applications. The cap was initially projected to reduce the number of approved permits to approximately 3,64,000, representing a 35% decrease from the 2023 figures. However, due to the observed reduction in student demand and the increasing global interest in diverse study destinations, it is anticipated that the cap levels for study permits in 2025 may exceed those set for 2024.