As Canada gears up for its federal election, study abroad consultants are pinning their hopes on a new government that might be more supportive of Indian students looking to study in Canada. The number of Indian students heading to Canada has plummeted by over 40% between 2023 and 2024, according to a source. This decline is attributed to a real estate crisis, stricter immigration policies, and tensions in New Delhi-Ottawa diplomatic ties.
With the US government taking a stricter stance on international students under President Donald Trump, Canada might see a resurgence in Indian student interest. Experts believe that if the Trump administration removes the Optional Practical Training (OPT) benefit, Canada could become a top destination for Indian students. Additionally, the cost difference between studying in the US and Canada could play a significant role, with top-ranked US universities charging around $70,000 for a single course per year, compared to CAD 60,000 in Canada.
The Canadian election, expected to be a close contest between Liberal party leader Mark Carney and Conservative party leader Pierre Poilievre, presents an opportunity for change. The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) has called on the next federal government to set up a Pan-Canadian International Education Council. Study abroad consultants hope that the incoming government will prioritize international education and create policies to attract more Indian students.
Indian students mostly pursue courses in STEM, agriculture, healthcare, trade, and transport in Canada. Many programs offer co-op or internship opportunities, allowing students to gain real-world experience. Recent trends in immigration have been positive, with over 30,000 Permanent Residency (PR) invitations approved in the first quarter of 2025. However, the decline in student enrolments has been significant, with a 70% drop between 2021 and Fall 2024, and a further 33% drop projected in 2025.
The decline in international students will have a major financial impact on Canada, particularly Ontario, which hosts over 40% of the country’s international students. The province is expected to lose around CDN$1 billion over the next two years due to the decline in enrolments.
