Over the last ten years, Canada and Australia have been students' preferred places for higher education. But now, 2024 and 2025 have posed tremendous difficulties, and students are finding it hard to pursue studies, jobs, and permanent residence in both countries. Tighter immigration regulations, increasing college fees, and fake colleges collapsing have made the students rethink studying abroad.
The number of Indians going abroad for education declined by 15% in 2024, with the UK, the US, and Canada experiencing significant drops. From data, India's total number of students in Canada, the UK, and the US went down by 164,370 in just one year. Canada experienced a decline of 41%, from 233,532 in 2023 to 137,608 in 2024, and was the worst-hit country. The US and UK also saw big declines of 27% and 13%, respectively. This sharp decline was part of the total decline in the number of Indians traveling abroad for education to the tune of 15%, which declined from 892,989 in 2023 to 759,064 in 2024.
Canada:
New immigration policies in Canada, stringent visa approvals and increased fees
Canada, being the top choice of Indian students, had announced a two-year student visa cap in January 2024. Fewer students are receiving study permits, and the competition has shot up enormously.
- 41% decrease in Indian student visas: Indian student visa approvals were reported to have fallen by 41% in 2024.
- Increased financial proof requirements: Students must now provide a minimum of CAD 20,635 (₹12.6 lakh) in their bank accounts to apply for a visa, nearly double the amount earlier.
- Tighter work permits: Canada is tightening the conditions for students to remain after graduation, as they now require higher English language proficiency and job offers in particular fields to obtain a post-graduation work permit.
Australia
Australia's move against "ghost colleges" and visa scams
Australia, too, is cracking down on its immigration regulations and closing down the fake colleges that were cheating international students.
- Closure of more than 150 rogue colleges: Private colleges, so-called "ghost colleges," have been existing in paper only and selling fictitious enrollments to students seeking work permits in place of genuine education. More than 150 of these colleges have now been closed by the Australian government, causing thousands of students to be in distress.
- Higher visa fees and living costs: Australia has raised its student visa application fee from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600, and students must now provide AUD 29,710 (₹16 lakh) in financial evidence to obtain a visa.
- International students in Australia protested in 2024, calling for more equitable visa regulations and greater protection against exploitation. The incident has left many students in a state of uncertainty regarding their future.
- Loud cries of "You need us" were raised by the international students on Australian ground.
With these new regulations, many Punjabi students in Canada and Australia are finding it hard to survive. Some students who had taken loans to study abroad are now unable to find employment, while others are trapped in fake colleges that have been closed down.
UK
UK regulations restrict students taking family
- As of January 2024, foreign students (excluding PhD and government-sponsored students) are not allowed to bring their spouses or children along with them. This has been a problem for several Indian students who wish to study abroad with their families.
- According to the new rule initiated in January 2025, students need to demonstrate 11% more currency to pay living expenses before qualifying for a visa. The rule has further made it costly to study in the UK for foreign students.
- The price of student visas and health surcharges has also gone up, making it more difficult for students to pay to study in the UK. This probably discouraged many Indian students, resulting in a 27% decline in those opting for the UK for higher studies.
Is studying abroad still worth it?
In the face of such evolving situations, one needs to assess if it is worthwhile for Indian students to pursue education abroad. Although Canada and Australia continue to provide top-class education and professional opportunities, the route to settling abroad is more difficult than ever before. More stringent immigration regulations, increasing expenses, and scam colleges pose new challenges to Punjabi students.
For the students intending to pursue studies abroad, remaining updated on policy developments, selecting recognized institutions, and possessing a reliable financial plan is more crucial than ever.