As diplomatic tensions between India and Canada escalate, Indian students planning to study in Canada are reconsidering their options for higher education. Canada, traditionally one of the top three destinations for Indian students alongside the United States and the United Kingdom, is now facing a growing sense of uncertainty among applicants. With the next academic session’s application deadline approaching in January 2025, many families are adopting a “wait and see” approach before finalizing their decisions.
Diplomatic Tensions Fuel Uncertainty
Diplomatic relations between India and Canada have deteriorated over the past year, primarily due to disagreements over the presence of Khalistani separatists in Canada. In recent weeks, the situation worsened as both countries recalled diplomatic staff following accusations made by the Canadian government. India has strongly rejected these allegations, but the incident has led to heightened concerns among students and parents alike regarding the safety and stability of pursuing education in Canada.
Pratibha Jain, founder of the study-abroad consultancy Eduabroad, revealed that her office has been inundated with queries since the diplomatic dispute began. “The first two days after the tensions arose, we didn’t receive any new applications for Canada. Most inquiries now focus on safety concerns, whether students should wait before applying, and how the current situation might affect their job prospects post-graduation,” Jain said.
For many Indian students, Canada has been an attractive option due to its favorable policies on work visas and residency compared to the U.S. and the U.K. However, the recent diplomatic row has injected a sense of uncertainty, with parents prioritizing their children’s safety over academic aspirations.
Impact on Applications
This period is crucial for students applying for higher education abroad for the Fall 2025 session, with deadlines for submitting applications, including those for scholarships, set for January 2025. Many students typically apply to multiple destinations—such as the U.S., U.K., and Canada—to increase their chances of acceptance into top universities. However, Canada’s appeal has notably declined in light of the recent diplomatic fallout.
A Mumbai-based parent who wished to remain anonymous expressed their concerns, saying, “We planned to apply to universities in the U.S., U.K., and Canada for our son, but the developments earlier this week have made us pause the Canada application for now. Since we have time until January, we’ll wait and see how the situation unfolds.”
A similar sentiment was shared by a parent in Delhi, who is considering Canadian universities for their daughter’s postgraduate studies but may change course if diplomatic relations don’t improve in the coming months. “Her safety is our top concern,” the parent said, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding their final decision.
Government Measures and Future Prospects
Adding to the uncertainty, the Canadian government has already taken steps to reduce the intake of international students. In January 2024, Canada announced a 35% reduction in student intake, with plans to cut an additional 10% in 2025. This move comes amid record immigration levels, creating housing shortages and limited job opportunities for international students, particularly those from India, who make up about 40% of the foreign student population.
Manan Gupta, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) based in Brampton, stated that the general sentiment among the Indian diaspora in Canada is one of concern. “People are nervous, especially those planning to study or reunite with family. It’s going to take time for more clarity on the situation,” he said.
Conclusion
While Canada remains a popular destination for Indian students, ongoing diplomatic tensions are forcing many to reconsider or delay their plans. With the application deadlines still months away, students and parents are closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a resolution that restores confidence in Canada as a safe and stable environment for higher education.
