Admissions experts note that Canada’s announcement of a two-year cap on overseas student intake, amidst a housing crisis, is further discouraging for Indian applicants. This policy change adds to existing concerns about rising living expenses in Canada. Also, strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada.
Hence, experts predict that Canada, a top choice for Indian students, may experience a decrease in the number of students from India. In 2022, Indians made up four out of every ten international students in Canada, totaling 226,450 students, as per data from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Experts from Collegify, Collegedekho, ApplyBoard, Leverage Edu, and IDP Education highlight that lower expenses and simplified permanent residency were the primary incentives for Indian students choosing Canada.
“We are observing a change in students’ interest in studying in Canada because of the increasing living expenses and housing costs,” stated Piyush Kumar, Regional Director for South Asia and Mauritius at IDP Education. IDP Education aided over 25,000 Indian students in pursuing studies in Canada in 2023.
Collegify co-founder Adarsh Khandelwal remarked, “Instances of students opting for unconventional housing solutions, like renting spa parlors or commuting long distances for accommodation, raise a crucial question – why encourage immigration without ensuring adequate housing?”
He noted, however, that his company exclusively targets tier-1 colleges and has not “encountered such severe housing issues among our student community in Canada.”
With the newly implemented restrictions, Canada is expected to issue 35% fewer student visas this year, as per IRCC.
Prominent undergraduate courses in Canada for Indian students encompass fields such as information technology, engineering, hospitality management, medicine, healthcare, business development, media and journalism, psychology, animation (gaming), and actuarial science.
Divyansh Chaudhari, CEO of IELTSMaterial, a CollegeDekho company, expressed the likelihood of a reduction in the number of Indian students choosing Canada. “The decline is attributed to various factors including stricter visa regulations, limitations for international students, high living expenses, unsatisfactory outcomes, and limited job opportunities abroad,” he stated.
Shifting Trends: Impact of Canada’s Immigration Policies on Student Migration and Educational Preferences:
He noted a positive aspect to Canada’s decision: “This will lead to the closure of subpar institutions and discourage unethical practices.”
IELTSMaterial aids approximately 100,000 students annually with its platform for IELTS preparation.
ApplyBoard reports a notable decrease in Indian applications for Canada in the latter half of 2023.
This decline is primarily due to diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
In 2024, ApplyBoard anticipates a shift in student preferences towards countries beyond traditional options.
These include Ireland, South Korea, and Taiwan.
ApplyBoard highlights Ireland’s growing popularity among Indian students due to esteemed universities and appealing post-study work opportunities.
Karunn Kandoi, Chief Experience Officer at ApplyBoard, notes Ireland’s generally more budget-friendly tuition fees compared to other countries.
