The pursuit of higher education abroad for Indian students has hit a significant roadblock. Canada, Australia, and the UK – traditional destinations for aspiring scholars – have tightened their visa regulations, creating a challenging landscape for Indian students. Experts predict a considerable decline in Indian student enrollment in these countries for the spring of 2025, forcing many to look elsewhere.
Canada has taken the most drastic action, implementing a steep 35% reduction in study visa approvals for 2024, with an additional 10% cut anticipated in 2025. This means approximately 80,500 Indian students could be denied study permits next year alone, according to Adarsh Khandelwal, co-founder of Collegify. In total, the combined impact of these visa restrictions could lead to a decrease of around 125,000 Indian students travelling to these three countries.
The UK has also made significant changes, increasing the minimum financial savings requirement for international student visas. This follows a ban on dependents for most student visas, affecting around 40% of Indian students. These changes are predicted to lead to a 15-20% drop in postgraduate applications from India, according to Khandelwal.
Australia has also introduced stricter measures, capping the number of new international students at 270,000 per year starting in 2025. With tightened eligibility criteria, many Indian students may find themselves with fewer options for study.
As traditional destinations become less accessible, students are increasingly looking to Europe for educational opportunities. Countries like Spain have seen a 28% rise in international student enrollment from 2021 to 2023, while Germany has experienced a nearly 13% increase. According to Vaibhav Gupta, CMO of iSchoolConnect, these shifts indicate a growing interest in European universities.
Education consultants are advising students to act quickly and apply early to secure spots in European institutions. Saurabh Arora, founder and CEO of University Living, emphasized the need for timely applications in this changing environment. However, some institutions express concern over the impact of these policies. Michael Wesley from the University of Melbourne described Australia’s decision to cap international student enrollments as a “terrible idea.”
The tightening of visa regulations in Canada, Australia, and the UK presents new challenges for Indian students. However, with Europe emerging as an attractive alternative, students are encouraged to explore these options proactively. By planning strategically and applying early, they can navigate this evolving landscape and continue to pursue their academic goals.
