Canada just halted its “study, work, stay” opportunities for international students and other professionals. The recent data showed 74% of Indian study-permit applications were rejected in August 2025, as per the Canadian government. If you thought Canada was still a good study abroad destination for Indian students, you need to reconsider other options. With such a high rejection rate, Indian students might lose money for entrance exams, university applications, documentation, along their Canada student visa fees in Indian rupees (INR 14,400 inclusive of study permit and biometric fee).
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In August 2025, 74% of Indian study-permit applications were denied, up from 32% in August 2023. Meanwhile, overall Canada student visa rejection 2025 hovered around 40% and Chinese applicants saw about 24% refusals that month. Read more if you are an Indian student eyeing Canada for higher studies in 2026!
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74% of Indian study-permit applications were rejected in August 2025 up from 32% in August 2023.
Indian applicants dropped from 20,900 (August 2023) to 4,515 (August 2025).
Overall, the Canada student visa rejection 2025 was 40% in August 2025, with Chinese refusals of 24%.
Around 1,550 fraudulent applications were uncovered in 2023, where 14,000+ acceptance letters were flagged later.
Canada has recently been focusing on tightening the immigration rules for international students, leading to the rejection of 3 out of 4 Indian applications. Why is Canada taking such measures? Is it because of increasing fraud or a result of diplomatic tensions? The Canadian city, Ottawa, has cited that it has been dealing with a lot of fraud cases.
In 2023, officials uncovered roughly 1,550 study-permit applications tied to fake letters of acceptance, and a stronger verification system later flagged over 14,000 suspicious acceptance letters. Canada also tightened financial proof and limited the number of permits issued. With these measures, the government is focusing on protecting migration integrity. These steps explain the sharp refusal spike.
Diplomatic friction between Canada and India since 2023 has been widely reported and probably adds pressure, but Canadian officials point to fraud and a deliberate policy shift to reduce temporary migration as the primary drivers.
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As we have already discussed, the significant drop in Indian applicants within a span of just 2 years indicates a noticeable decline in demand for Canada as a study abroad destination. Additionally, universities and colleges in Canada that heavily rely on Indian students for funding through tuition and other costs, such as the University of Waterloo, report a significant drop in international enrollment. If you are considering Canada for post study work opportunities or even permanent residency, you might need to reconsider amid the current immigration chaos for international students.
Indian students still planning to study in Canada in 2026 must expect more rigorous document checks (they will want bank provenance, not just bank statements), longer processing, and a tougher case to make for intent to return home. Institutions are changing intake plans, and some provinces are revising their pathways. If you use agents, vet them as the fraud associations have been a big reason for the clampdown.
Related Reads: Popular Medical Courses in Canada After 12th for Indian Students
No, the current situation where canada is rejecting 3 out of 4 applications is crucial for Indian students planning to study there. Here are some of the things to consider before applying for a Canada student visa from India.
Document everything: Always have proof to show where funds came from, not just the bank balance.
Use designated learning institutions (DLI): verify the school with the IRCC lists.
Avoid risky agents or “guarantee” offers: Many rejections and fraud cases are traced to dubious operators.
Consider alternatives to study abroad: Australia, UK, USA, Germany or a gap-year plan can be smarter while rules settle.
Canada is rejecting almost 3 out of 4 Indian applications for study permit. If you’re planning to study in Canada in 2026, you must gather a well-versed profile with stronger proof of funds, verified acceptance letters, and smarter planning, which are now non-negotiable.
Related Reads: Canada Student Visa Processing Time From India
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
As per an official report, there has been a visible increase in the rejection rate of Canada student visas, with approximately 74%. A few of the reasons why Canada is rejecting student visas from India include the tightening of immigration rules, rising fraud cases, fake admission letters, etc.
Although a rejection is always recorded on your previous visa history, it is possible for you to obtain a Canada student permit. However, you must show a strong reason to deviate from the previous denial and present a good profile with the right documentation.
No, the Canada student visa rejection rate is not 80%. According to the latest data reported by the Canadian government, around 74% of the study visa applications are rejected till August 2025, which is around 3 applications out of 4 applications.
On Question asked by student community
Hello,
After completing BPT in India, you must get your qualification approved by the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) .
First, apply for credential assessment , then pass the written and clinical exams . You also need an English test score (IELTS or CELPIP) .
After clearing these, apply for a physiotherapy license in any Canadian province. Once licensed, you can apply for jobs or PR in Canada.
Some students also choose to do a Master’s in Physiotherapy in Canada for better job chances.
Hope it helps !
your career plan is valid as it provide knowledge which is relevant to become ips officer but you need to prepare for other subjects too because UPSC's ips broad syllabus includes Indian governance and current affairs too.
I advice to choose b.a in psychology in india as this avoids the need for an equivalency certificate after your graduation from canadian universities from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) that is mandatory for foreign degrees.
But still if you want to prefer canadian degree then you can consider Simon Fraser University and the University of Windsor which offer a combined degree B.A. in Psychology and Criminology.
Hope it helps...
An undergraduate degree abroad is a good investment if you pursue it in canada because it provides quality education at affordable costs, along with a clearer path to post-graduation work and permanent residency,making it a reliable option to settle abroad.
Coming to U.S. it offers top-tier universities and higher salaries, but have very high costs and a difficult visa process for international graduates.
And if you are not sure go for studying in your home country which is more affordable and offering opportunities in a growing tech sector.
Ultimately, a strong focus on finances and long-term career plans, including any desire to immigrate, will guide your decision.
Good luck!!
After completing a BSc in Biochemistry, you can pursue various courses in Canada such as MSc in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or Clinical Research. These programs offer advanced knowledge and open opportunities in research, healthcare, and industry.
Hello,
Yes, you can pursue MD in Radiology in Canada after completing a B.Sc. in Radiology, but you need to complete a recognized medical degree (like MBBS) first. After that, you must pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) and complete a residency in radiology. Alternatively, you can explore postgraduate diploma or master’s programs in medical imaging or radiology if you wish to specialize without an MD.
Hope this helps you,
Thank you
https://www.careers360.com/courses/md-radiology
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