Canada, once the dreamland for Indian students, has suddenly turned into a nightmare. In 2025, 80% of Indian student visa applications were rejected, the highest in a decade. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), stricter rules, financial requirements, and housing shortages have forced Ottawa to close its doors.

Just two years ago, Canada welcomed nearly double the number of Indian students it accepted in 2024. But now, only 9% of Indian aspirants see Canada as their top choice, compared to 31% who prefer Germany.

Germany has become the new hotspot, offering low-cost or free education, English-taught courses, and defined career pathways. Indian enrolments there have doubled in the last five years, crossing 60,000 in 2025.

The crackdown in Canada means shattered dreams for many families who invested lakhs in applications and tests. For universities, losing international students is a financial blow. Smaller colleges may even shut down.

Experts warn that this is part of a global rebalancing. While the US, UK, and Canada struggle, Germany, France, and Asian nations are stepping up as new student hubs. The message is clear: students must rethink their study-abroad destinations.