Geopolitics mars Indian students’ aspirations to study in Canada, Australia Premium

Canada India News: Indians in Punjab fear impact on plans to migrate to Canada amid diplomatic tensions, urging de-escalation.

Geo-political factors are playing havoc with the dreams of Indian students aspiring for studies in foreign countries, particularly Canada and Australia which have substantially cut back on student visas and work permits for them.

“The current political enmity between Canada and India is scaring students who have generally looked at Canada for Permanent Residency after studies,” believes Educational consultant Mrinalani Batra, CEO of the International Education Exchange (India). Canada slashed study visa permits by 35% (around 80,500 students) for the current year and announced an additional 10% cut in 2025.

However, her take on the Australian government putting a cap on 2,70,000 Indian students with effect from February 2025 ostensibly to curb immigration, is that it “arises from their indiscriminate admissions for students that exacerbated the housing crisis”. Canberra had earlier put a cap on Indian students at 5,61,000.

“I am not an expert on Australian education but the curbs are acting as a barrier for students,” she says. On the next emerging option closer to Australia, she observes: “New Zealand has become popular for many reasons and the fact that they have special scholarships for Indian students makes it seem more welcoming. Something that worries parents is safety and NZ scores high here.”

Indian students aspiring to join universities in Canada will face challenges in the near future as Indo-Canadian relations have touched virtually rock bottom following the mutual expulsions of diplomats over differing perceptions of who was behind the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a vocal supporter of the Khalistan movement. Canada insists the Indian deep state was involved based on its own intelligence, but India is denying it.

“Canada has long been a favoured choice for Indian students, recognized for its high-quality education and diverse academic programs. However, the recent political tensions between India and Canada have raised valid concerns among those considering studying there. Many potential applicants may feel the need to rethink their options or delay their plans until the situation stabilizes,” Saurabh Arora, Founder and CEO, University Living, Noida in Uttar Pradesh, said in a chat with The Hindu.

University Living, a platform to facilitate students seeking overseas education, has come out with a survey called the Indian Student Mobility Report (ISMR) for 2023-24 which notes that collectively students spent $ 11,7 billion to pursue higher education in Canada with the support of bank loans and sale or mortgage of agricultural lands. Arora though is not overly pessimistic. “While it’s essential to stay informed about any diplomatic developments, Canada continues to be a welcoming destination for international students.