November 2, 2026 — Canada’s appeal as a study destination is facing pressure as Indian students weigh tighter immigration requirements, uncertain employment prospects, rising expenses and concerns about personal safety, according to a report by NDTV Profit.
For many applicants, studying in Canada has offered the prospect of an international qualification, overseas work experience and a possible pathway to permanent residency. Changes affecting study permits and post-graduation employment have made those expectations less certain.
The report cited immigration figures reported by Reuters showing that approximately 74 per cent of Indian study permit applications were rejected in August 2025, compared with 32 per cent in August 2023.
Employment prospects are also influencing decisions. Students facing substantial tuition fees and living costs are increasingly questioning whether their qualifications will lead to jobs that allow them to recover their investment.
Changes to post-graduation work permit eligibility have added to those concerns. According to the report, groups of Indian students challenged work permit refusals in 2026, saying they had enrolled in programmes believing they would qualify to work after graduation.
The disputes highlight the importance of checking the eligibility of both an institution and a specific programme before committing to enrolment.
Financial uncertainty is particularly significant for families relying on education loans. Without dependable employment after graduation, repaying those loans can become difficult. Concerns about personal security are adding another consideration for students comparing overseas destinations.
The shift could affect Canadian colleges and universities that have historically attracted large numbers of Indian students.
Education advisers cited in the report encourage applicants to examine programme eligibility, living expenses, employment conditions and immigration requirements carefully, rather than basing their plans primarily on the prospect of permanent residency.