Canada’s Latest Move: Canada’s recent announcement of a two-year cap on overseas student intake, driven by a housing crisis, has added to the challenges faced by Indian applicants.
Already deterred by escalating living costs and diplomatic tensions, Indian students, who form a significant portion of Canada’s international student body, may now reconsider their choices.
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In 2022, Indians comprised 40% of Canada’s overseas student population, totalling 226K students, as per Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data. Admissions experts anticipate a decline in this number due to the housing-related policy shift.
Piyush Kumar, Regional Director-South Asia and Mauritius at IDP Education, noted a noticeable shift in students’ interest away from Canada, citing rising living costs and housing challenges.
Instances of students adopting unconventional housing arrangements, including renting spa Parlors, underscore the pressing need for adequate housing provisions.
With the new restrictions, IRCC estimates a 35% reduction in student visa issuances for the current year. This could prompt Indian students to explore alternative destinations, with the United States being a potential choice, according to experts.
Notably, a significant drop in Indian applications to Canada was observed in the latter half of 2023, primarily attributed to diplomatic tensions between the two nations, as indicated by a Canadian-headquartered study abroad platform.
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