India–Canada Diplomatic Reset Boosts Student Confidence, Sparks Surge in Canadian College

By Siya June 23, 2025
Alarm 2 Min Read
Copied
Featured

The recent improvements in diplomatic tensions between India and Canada has reignited student interest in Canadian universities, with leading study-abroad platforms forecasting a 20–30% rise in admissions to Canadian colleges for the upcoming academic year.

The reset in bilateral relations comes as a major relief to Indian students and families who had been forced to reconsider or delay their Canadian education plans due to prolonged political strain and visa uncertainties. Now, platforms like Collegify report a sharp uptick in reactivated applications.

“Since the easing of tensions, we’ve observed a 31% increase in active Canadian applications for the Fall 2025 intake,” said Adarsh Khandelwal, co-founder of Collegify. One such student, Rhea Sharma from Delhi, who had deferred her offer from the University of Toronto, is now preparing to fly to Canada to begin her studies in Computer Science.

Data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) show that study permit approvals for Indian students fell by 42% in 2023 and dipped another 31% in the first quarter of 2025. However, experts anticipate a strong recovery in the second half of the year as diplomatic confidence rebuilds.

“During the standoff, we saw a 10–12% drop in interest from Indian students,” said Sanjay Laul, founder of MSM Group. “But now, with tightening visa restrictions in the US and renewed Canada ties, students are viewing Canada as a more viable and welcoming option.”

Atul Verma, co-founder of Masterclass Space, added that the recent developments are a “welcome whiff of fresh air” for students who had been stuck in uncertainty. Meanwhile, IDP Education continues to see Canada as one of the top choices for Indian students.

“Canada has always been a preferred study destination,” said Piyush Kumar, South Asia Regional Director at IDP. “This renewed engagement will only strengthen students’ confidence in pursuing their academic goals in Canada.”

Source: ECONOMIC TIMES

More Articles