Indian students aspiring to study in Canada may face significant challenges as the country is expected to approve only 231,000 study permits in 2024, a nearly 50% drop from 2023. New immigration policies and increased financial requirements have discouraged many prospective students, with Canada no longer viewed as welcoming.
The decline impacts Indian students the most, as they form a large portion of Canada’s international student population.
Key Highlights of the Decline in Canadian Study Permit Approvals
- Sharp Drop in Study Permit Approvals Canada is projected to approve only 231,000 study permits in 2024, a drastic reduction from the 436,000 approvals in 2023. This marks a return to approval levels last seen in 2018-2019. The data was revealed in a report by ApplyBoard, which is yet to be officially published. This 47% decline reflects the changing landscape for international students in Canada.
- Impact on Indian Students Indian students are among the most affected, with study permit approvals from India halving in the first half of 2024 compared to 2023. In 2022, 2.26 lakh of the 5.5 lakh international students in Canada were from India, many of whom also worked as gig workers contributing to the economy. With reduced approvals, Indian students are now deferring their applications or seeking education in other countries like the US, Germany, and France.
- Government Measures and Financial Requirements Several factors have contributed to the decline in study permits, including the Canadian government’s decision to increase financial requirements for international students. In December 2023, Immigration Minister Marc Miller raised the amount students need to show as proof of funds from $10,000 to $20,635, a measure reflecting the rising cost of living in Canada. Additionally, a cap on the growth of international student numbers was announced for the next two years, leading to fewer approvals.
- Effect on Postgraduate Applications The decline in approvals isn’t limited to undergraduate students. Postgraduate programs, such as master’s and doctoral studies, have also seen a significant drop in applications. Between January and June 2024, only 114,000 study permits were approved, down 48% from the same period in 2023.
- Uncertain Future for International Students Early indicators suggest that the cap imposed in January is already affecting permit volumes, and while Canada’s busiest period for permit processing is in the summer and fall, it remains to be seen how the overall numbers will pan out.
Conclusion
The 2024 decline in Canadian study permit approvals signals a significant shift in immigration and education policies, leaving many international students, particularly from India, to reconsider their study abroad plans. The new financial requirements and cap on student growth have made Canada a less favorable destination for higher education.
