The popularity of Canada as a destination for studying abroad seems to be fading among Indian students. Better Dwelling, Canada’s largest independent housing news outlet, claimed that Canada’s foreign student boom is coming to an end as Indian applications have fallen, which is a major issue given that Indians accounted for 40% of all international students in Canada last year.
Over two out of every five study permit applications (43%), submitted in 2021, were from Indians. In 2022, that increased to over half (49%) and grew at a similar rate this year. Between January and May of 2023, 42% of applications were from Indian students. The situation abruptly altered in June when fewer applications were received.
From July to October 2022, the Canadian government processed about 146,000 additional applications for Indian citizens seeking study permits. But throughout the same period in 2023, it handled fewer than 87,000. This reflected a year-over-year reduction of 41%. Stated differently, from July to October 2023, approximately 60,000 fewer student visas for Indian students were processed than during the same period in the previous year.
What’s behind the sudden fall in India’s interest in Canada as a study-abroad destination? Is Canada developing a reputation for exploiting Indian students?
Better Dwelling in the report says – The first thought that pops into mind is that the decline must be related to rising Canada-India political tensions. However, that drama began after the September G-20 meeting. This trend started in May or June, way before the political issue was even in the works.
What had occurred back then was the public discussion of Indian students being exploited in Canada. Stories of no housing and using food banks became more common. An admissions scandal that impacted hundreds of students made those accusations suddenly very concrete.
The timeline is right around when Canada was considering deporting hundreds of Indian students who were the victims of fraud. The students had been told they were admitted to a well-known post-secondary school, entered Canada on student visas, and then were told by the recruiter that the university no longer had space, so they would have to attend private colleges.
After completing their studies, border services accused the students of committing fraud and sent out 700 deportation notices. While the government stepped in to freeze the order, a number had already left—some voluntarily, others by force.
Considering that Indian media covered the issue extensively, Canada likely developed a reputation overseas. At the least when it comes to smaller, lesser-known schools.
As political tensions rise between the two countries post-G-20, it would be surprising not to see further declines from India. If this occurs, it almost certainly will mean Canada’s international student boom is over.