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In January 2024, the Canadian government announced caps on study permits for undergraduate students. Now, 11 months later, we’ve observed a widespread decline in both applications and issuances across all levels of international postsecondary education in Canada. Despite the declines, the issuance cap has resulted in improved study permit approval rates among Indian students and opportunities remain for them to pursue their study abroad journeys in Canada.
Undergraduate students
Undergraduate students took a hit during the 2023/24 academic year – Canada issued 20% fewer undergraduate study permits compared to the previous year.
This decline hides some good news for Indian students though. While fewer applied to study in Canada, those who did saw a study permit approval rate of 90% – a significant improvement over the 63% approval rate from last year. Indian undergraduate student enrollment increased at Yorkville University, the University of Lethbridge, and the University of Regina.
Graduate students
In late 2024, the Government of Canada announced study permit caps for master’s and doctoral students beginning with the 2025/26 academic year. Although Canada’s early 2024 policy changes did not apply to graduate-level students this year, the government still issued 19% fewer graduate study permits during the 2023/24 academic year compared to the previous year. Indian permits fell even more – by 35%.
Because fewer Indians applied to pursue a master’s degree in Canada, those who did apply saw a permit approval rate increase from 78% to 92%. Some schools like International Business University, Trinity Western University, and the University of Niagara Falls grew their intake of Indian graduate students last year.
Opportunities ahead
Despite the changes to Canada’s immigration policies, opportunities remain for ambitious students from India to excel academically in Canada. Study permit approval rates have risen considerably, making programs like the recently terminated Student Direct Stream (SDS) costly and ultimately unnecessary.
While Canada’s recent policy changes are reshaping the international education landscape, they’ve also created new pathways for Indian students to succeed in their academic pursuits. Indian students can approach their study abroad journey with greater confidence by making informed choices about the institutions to attend and by seeking support from experienced financial partners. By leveraging these opportunities, Indian students can continue to thrive in Canada, contributing to the country’s diverse academic and professional landscape while achieving their own goals of global education and career advancement.
Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/business/investing-abroad-canadas-new-study-permit-policies-create-pathways-for-indian-academic-success-3718145/
