Photo: AFP

In recent years, Canada was a top choice for Indian students who wanted to study abroad. Many students liked Canada because it offered good schools, safe cities, and a chance to work part-time during their studies. But in 2025, something big changed. Canada started rejecting many student visa applications from India. Now, Germany is becoming a new favorite for Indian students.

Canada’s Strict Rules Are Hurting Students

Canada has made its visa rules much stricter this year. According to official data, about 80% of Indian student visa applications were rejected in 2025. This means that only 1 out of every 5 students got permission to study in Canada. In 2024, almost 1.88 lakh (188,000) Indian students were admitted in Canada, but now the number has gone down a lot.

The reason for this change is not just about education. Canada is facing problems like housing shortages and overcrowded infrastructure. Many people in Canada want the government to give more opportunities to local students instead of foreign ones. So, the Canadian government is now checking visa applications more carefully.

Money Rules Got Tougher

Apart from rejecting more applications, Canada has also made new rules for students. Now, Indian students must show that they have at least CA$20,635 (around ₹13.13 lakh) in their bank accounts before applying. This amount is double what was needed before. Also, the rules about working during studies have become stricter. These new barriers make it harder for many Indian students to go to Canada.

Germany Is Becoming Popular

While Canada is becoming harder to enter, Germany is gaining more attention. Many Indian students are now choosing Germany as their top study destination. Germany has public universities that are affordable or almost free, which makes it attractive for students from India. Also, many courses are now available in English, which helps students who do not speak German.

Data from Germany shows that the number of Indian students has increased to about 60,000 in 2025, up from 49,500 in 2023. The strong economy of Germany and its focus on welcoming international students play a big role in this shift.

Students Look For Affordable, Quality Education

For many Indian students, the most important factors when choosing a study destination are low cost, quality education, and good job opportunities after graduation. Countries like the US, UK, and Canada are becoming expensive and difficult to enter. Germany, on the other hand, offers affordable education and good career options. This is why more and more Indian students are now looking at Germany.

What Experts Say

Experts say that this change is big. Jonathan Sherman from BorderPass, a study-related company, told The PIE News that Canada is now applying much more strict checks to student applications. He called it a “fundamental shift” in how the government handles visas.

Many believe that students will continue to look for countries that offer easy access, good education, and bright job prospects. Germany seems ready to meet these expectations.

The world of international education is changing. Canada’s strict visa rules and higher financial requirements are pushing Indian students to search for other options. Germany’s rise as a top destination shows that students want affordable, safe, and career-friendly places to study.

For Indian students, the dream of studying abroad is still alive, but now Germany is shining brighter than ever.