Canada Rejects 80% Indian Student Visas in 2025

Canada has recorded its highest student visa rejection rate in a decade, with nearly 80% of Indian applicants denied in 2025, according to recent data. The overall international rejection rate stood at 62%, underscoring Ottawa’s tightening stance on foreign students.

The stricter rules have led to a steep decline in enrolments. Only 188,000 Indian students were admitted in 2024, while the first quarter of 2025 saw a 31% drop in study permits, falling from over 44,000 in 2024 to just 30,600 this year.

Key changes fueling these rejections include stricter financial proof requirements (now exceeding CA$20,000), the closure of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) fast-track program, and a cap of 437,000 study permits for 2025—10% lower than the previous year.

The impact is being felt both by students, many of whom saw Canada as a gateway to permanent residency, and by smaller Canadian colleges that rely heavily on international tuition. Some institutions are now facing financial instability.

Meanwhile, Germany has overtaken Canada as the most preferred destination for Indian students, attracting 31% of interest thanks to low or no tuition fees, English-language programs, affordable living costs, and strong career pathways. Canada’s popularity has dropped to just 9%, down from 18% in 2022. Other countries such as France, Finland, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and Middle Eastern nations are also emerging as alternatives.

The shift marks a significant change in global education trends, signaling a new era where Indian students are increasingly diversifying their overseas study options beyond Canada.