Canadian study visas for Indian students have dropped 40% since July 2023, reducing Canada's desirability
If a recent survey is to be believed, many Indians may no longer be drawn to Canada. The education sector is concerned after recent data revealed a significant decline in the number of Indian students' applications for study permits in Canada being processed.
According to a report by ApplyBoard, the Canadian government received and processed around 146,000 additional applications for study permits from Indian nationals between July and October of 2023. But in 2023, the numbers dropped to less than 87,000 in the same time frame.
When compared to the same period last year, this loss equates to a significant decrease of 60,000 student visas processed for Indian students from July to October 2023. The monthly processing totals for the previous two years are shown in the chart below, which shows a notable deficit from August to October—a decrease of 47% from 2022.
The unexpected decline contrasts with the high level of interest expressed by Indian students during the year's first half, during which the Canadian government processed 25% more applications for study permits than it did in the corresponding period of 2022.
escalating negativity in Indian media
Although the reduction seems to be clearly related to political tensions between India and Canada, a Better Dwelling analysis offers an alternative explanation. International students now use social media as a forum to discuss their struggles in Canada, highlighting the high cost of living and unmet opportunity promises.
This notion is supported by a sentiment analysis that ApplyBoard conducted on high-quality Indian media. Articles about housing in Canada grew fivefold between April and August 2023 compared to the same time the previous year. In addition, the proportion of information marked as negative increased from 12% to 30%, persistently drawing attention to the financial difficulties and joblessness faced by Indian students.
Living Expenses
Affordability Plan, a significant $12.1 billion CAD investment, was introduced by the Canadian government in response to rising living expenses and inflationary pressures. A 10% rise in the Old Age Security pension for seniors, a 50% decrease in childcare costs in Ontario, and the indexing of different benefits to inflation are among the measures. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will increase the cost-of-living criterion as of January 1, 2024.
The India-Canada Conflict's Effects
Data indicates that, despite potential fears, the diplomatic spat between Canada and India is not expected to have a further negative impact on the number of study permit applications received from India. 80% of Indian students' study permit applications that were handled between August and November, according to IRCC statistics, were completed in three weeks or less, demonstrating prioritized study permit processing. The disagreement's effect on student demand is still unclear.
Diverse Candidates for Students
Students from other countries continue to show interest in Canadian education, which is a good thing despite the difficulties. Study permits for all other nations handled increased by 34% between July and October 2023, and as of December 2023, there has been a noteworthy 52% increase over the total from the previous year.
Indian students now make up 36% of study visa applications in Canada, reflecting the more varied pool of candidates to Canadian universities as a result of this change.
