Indian students have always regarded North America as a top destination for higher studies. But with the United States clamping down on visa policies, most aspirants are now looking towards Canada, which remains open to international students despite increasing financial and policy pressures.
Canada Continues To Be Favourite Destination
Based on the Student Pulse Survey Spring 2025 report by ApplyBoard, 94% of Indian study-abroad applicants still favour Canada as their number one choice. Under visa limitations and rising expenses, students find Canada to be a destination of quality education, improved career prospects, and high living standards.
Though increased tuition fees and debt have led some students to rethink, Canada is still a destination of preference because of its comparatively simpler visa regulations and post-study work visas.
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US Tightens Visa Approvals, Canada Opens Doors
The United States has been tightening up visa rules, and this has resulted in a sharp fall in the number of Indian students being admitted. Canada, however, while having its own diplomatic row with India, continues to be the go-to place for foreign students.
Canada approved 137,600 study visas in 2024, even though that was a drop compared to other years as a result of new policy measures. On the other hand, the US witnessed a drastic decline of 30,500 Indian student intakes for the same duration. Even though the numbers are substantial, the stricter US visa regulations are driving students towards alternative destinations.
Though Canada is the major alternative to the US, a number of Indian students are also looking at Germany, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, and Australia. These countries offer cheap education, effective visa processes, and better work-life balance, hence being the most sought-after destinations.
Choosing the best place to study abroad is not a matter of policy—it’s a matter of possibility, experience, and future professional development. While the US remains a dream for many, its strict visa policies are making Canada an increasingly viable option.
For aspiring students, this shift is a reminder to stay flexible, explore new opportunities, and embrace the journey of international education wherever it may lead.
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Whether Canada, Germany, Australia, or elsewhere, the journey is as valuable as the destination itself. After all, education is not just about where you study but how it transforms you along the way.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (For Representation)
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First Published: April 02, 2025 6:34 PM