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New Delhi: Canada has recently rejected nearly 80 per cent of the visa applications in this year. As per the data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), this is the highest rejection rate in the last decade. Last year, Canada admitted around 1.88 lakh new Indian students, which can be seen as a sharp decline compared to more than double that figure two years ago.
With this, Canada’s share as a top choice among Indian students has fallen to 9 per cent in the year 2024 from 18 per cent in 2022. Meanwhile, Germany has now overtaken Canada, becoming the most preferred study-abroad destination for 31 per cent of Indian students.
The Canadian government has tightened student visa rules due to housing shortages, infrastructure pressure and rising domestic political demands. As a result, applicants can now see a more strict financial and academic requirements. Students must show proof of over CAD 20,000 in funds, provide detailed study plans and meet tougher language requirements.
The Student Direct Stream which once allowed faster visa approvals, has also been closed. In 2025, Canada plans to issue 437,000 study permits, nearly 10 per cent fewer than last year. Out of these, 73,000 are for postgraduates, 243,000 for undergraduates and around 120,000 for renewals and school students.
While Canada shuts its doors, Germany has emerged as the preferred study abroad destination for Indian students. With low or no-cost tuition at public universities, growing English-language programmes, and strong job opportunities in fields like technology and engineering, Germany is attracting aspirants.
Indian student enrolments in Germany have more than doubled in the past five years, rising to nearly 60,000 in 2025. As per experts, this shift shows how students seek countries that offer affordable education, clear career pathways and better long-term opportunities.
