Canada, long a top destination for global education, has seen a significant decline in the issuance of study permits in 2025, with the total number falling by about 25 percent compared with the previous year. This drop marks a notable departure from the rapid growth in international student numbers that Canada experienced in recent years. Governments and universities across the world are watching closely, especially students and families considering study abroad options.
Overall Decline in Study Permits
According to official immigration figures, Canada issued 383,905 study permits in 2025, down from 514,915 in 2024, reflecting roughly a quarter decline in total approvals. This contrasts sharply with the record high of over 680,000 permits in 2023, illustrating a larger trend of tightening immigration and study-abroad rules.
The Canadian immigration authorities have indicated that this reduction is driven by policy shifts aimed at controlling the growth of the country’s temporary resident population. Ottawa wants to reduce the share of temporary residents to below 5 percent of the total population by 2027, and study permits are a key part of that strategy.
Indian Students Hit Hardest
Among international applicants, Indian students — historically the largest single cohort — have been disproportionately affected. The number of study permits issued to Indian nationals in 2025 was almost half of the number issued in 2024, indicating a steep downward trend for applicants from India. This has alarmed many families and education consultants who once viewed Canada as a preferred destination for higher education and post-study work opportunities.
The drop in Indian intake reflects not only overall reduced caps but also stricter assessment criteria and rising competition for limited permits. Policies introduced to ease pressure on housing, public services, and infrastructure are believed to be contributing to the decline.
Caps on New and Renewal Permits
Looking ahead, the Canadian government has also outlined its 2026 immigration levels plan, which includes a cap of 408,000 study permits for the year. This total will include approximately 155,000 permits for new international students and around 253,000 extensions for current and returning students — a deliberate rebalancing between new arrivals and support for students already in the country.
This cap is slightly higher than the 2025 issuance but remains constrained compared with past years. It reflects Ottawa’s aim to manage the growth of its temporary population while attempting to sustain its higher-education sector’s global appeal.
Broader Implications for Indian Students
The dramatic shift in study permit trends has broader implications for Indian students who have historically comprised a large proportion of Canada’s international student population. Fewer permits mean increased competition, and prospective students may need to explore alternative destinations such as the United Kingdom, Australia, or European countries that continue to expand their international enrolment.
Families are also adjusting plans as visa processing becomes more stringent, proof-of-funds requirements rise, and opportunities for post-study work and immigration become less predictable. These evolving trends could reshape global student mobility patterns in the coming years.
Summary
Canada saw its study permits fall by roughly 25 percent in 2025, with the number of Indian student permits nearly halving year-on-year. The government’s policy to reduce temporary resident growth is a key factor, and Ottawa has capped 408,000 permits for 2026. Indian students face tougher competition and may consider other study destinations.
