Decline in Indian students choosing Canada for higher education

Almost 60,000 fewer student visas were processed for Indian students between July and October 2023 compared to the same period in the previous year

PRAVASISAMWAD.COM

Recent data from Apply Board, an online platform for international student recruitment, reveals a significant drop in the number of Indians pursuing higher education in Canada. The Canadian government processed fewer than 87,000 applications, marking a substantial year-over-year decline of 41 percent. Notably, almost 60,000 fewer student visas were processed for Indian students between July and October 2023 compared to the same period in the previous year.

In contrast, the first half of 2023 saw a 25 percent increase in study permit applications from Indian students, indicating a noteworthy shift in trends. However, the situation took a downturn in the latter part of the year, despite the Canadian government’s announcement of doubling the cost-of-living financial requirement for incoming international students starting January 1, 2024. As per the new regulation, a single applicant must demonstrate having $15,181 in addition to covering their first-year tuition and travel expenses.

It is imperative to monitor how these factors collectively contribute to the evolving landscape of Indian students choosing Canada as their preferred destination for higher studies.

The decline in student visa processing is attributed to various factors, with one prominent reason being the rising concerns expressed by Indian students on social media platforms. Students from Punjab, in particular, used platforms like ‘X’ to voice their difficulties, shedding light on exorbitant house rents in Canada that compelled many to reside in cramped basement setups.

The impact of these challenges on the volume of study permit applications from India remains uncertain. Additionally, the strained India-Canada relations, which have recently deteriorated, may further influence the decision-making of prospective students. It is imperative to monitor how these factors collectively contribute to the evolving landscape of Indian students choosing Canada as their preferred destination for higher studies.

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