Indians worst hit as Canada cuts down on student intake
Canada has significantly reduced the number of study permits issued to international students, with Indian students experiencing the most substantial impact. Data shows a sharp decline in permits for Indians, reversing a decade-long trend of growth in Canada's international education sector.
Why it matters
Changes in immigration and student visa policies directly affect the global education market and the economic and social integration of international students in host countries.
Indian students seem to be taking the biggest hit by the decision of Canada — their most preferred destination thus far — to sharply reduce the number of study permits issued to international students.
The latest data available for April 2026 showed that the number of new study permits and renewals issued to Indian students saw a 16% drop compared with last April, which itself was a striking 84% decline compared to April 2024 — an indication that opportunities for Indian students in the North American country could shrink further.
As of 2025, Canada accounted for about 34%, or one-third of the roughly 12.54 lakh Indian students studying abroad, surpassing other key destinations like the U.S, the U.K. and Australia.
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