For years, the dream of studying abroad has been a beacon for Indian students, with Canada, the UK, and the US topping the list of destinations. The numbers told a story of ambition: from 31,920 Indian students in Canada in 2015 to a staggering 278,160 in 2023; from 10,418 in the UK to 119,738 over the same period; and in the US, F1 visas nearly doubling from 74,831 to 130,730. Indian students even surpassed their Chinese counterparts in these global education hubs, a testament to their drive and determination. But in 2024, something unexpected happened—a sharp, simultaneous drop in visa approvals across all three countries, the first in four years. So, what’s behind this seismic shift? Let’s unpack the reasons, the impact, and what it means for Indian students chasing their global dreams.
The Numbers Tell a Story
The decline is stark. In 2024, Canada saw a 32% drop in study permits for Indian students, plummeting from 278,000 to 189,000, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The US wasn’t far behind, with F1 visas for Indian students falling 34%, from 131,000 in 2023 to 86,110 in 2024. The UK recorded a 26% decline, with visa approvals dropping from 136,921 to 98,890. Overall, the number of Indian students studying abroad fell by 15%, from 892,989 in 2023 to 759,064 in 2024. This isn’t just a blip—it’s a reversal of a decade-long upward trend.
As someone who’s seen friends and cousins plan their study abroad journeys, these numbers hit home. The excitement of getting that acceptance letter, the late-night visa prep, the tearful goodbyes at the airport—it’s a rite of passage for so many. But now, that path feels rockier, and the reasons are a mix of policy changes, global politics, and practical realities.
Why the Drop? Tightening Visa Policies
The biggest driver is stricter immigration policies in all three countries, each grappling with domestic pressures. In Canada, the government introduced a cap on study permits in 2024, slashing approvals by 35% from 2023, with a further 10% cut planned for 2025. The fast-track Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, a lifeline for Indian students, was axed, leading to longer processing times and tougher scrutiny. Canada’s justification? A strained housing market and overstretched public services like healthcare, which officials partly blame on the influx of international students. One X post summed it up: “Canada’s basically saying, ‘We love your talent, but we’re full.’”
The UK’s story is similar. New rules in 2024 restricted foreign students from bringing dependents, a move that hit Indian students hard, especially those pursuing postgraduate degrees. The UK Home Office reported an 84% drop in dependent visa applications, and overall study visas for Indians fell 26%. Tuition fees also spiked by £285, now at £9,535, adding financial strain. As one student shared on X, “Why study in the UK when you can’t bring your family and the costs keep climbing?”
In the US, F1 visa approvals for Indian students dropped 38%, from 103,495 in 2023 to 64,008 in 2024. The Trump administration’s return in 2025 has fueled uncertainty, with policies like mass student visa revocations—over 300 nationwide, even at elite schools like Harvard—and a proposed end to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows students to work post-graduation. A US professor’s X post captured the concern: “The 11% drop in Indian students is a warning sign for US universities. Policy uncertainty and a weak rupee aren’t helping.” Geopolitical tensions and AI-assisted visa reviews targeting social media activity (like protest posts) have only added to the anxiety.
Beyond Policies: Diplomatic Tensions and Economic Pressures
Politics plays a role too, especially in Canada. Diplomatic tensions between India and Canada escalated in 2023 after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India’s response—scaling back Canadian diplomatic presence—coincided with stricter visa rules, making Canada feel less welcoming. Abhijit Zaveri, an education consultant, told The Federal, “We’ve seen a 70% drop in students heading to Canada since 2021. The vibe’s just off.”
Economic factors are also at play. The Indian rupee’s depreciation against the dollar and pound makes studying abroad pricier. In the US, students need to show financial proof of over ₹24 lakh annually, a tough ask for many middle-class families. Combine that with muted job prospects—Canada’s tightened work permits and the US’s OPT uncertainty—and the ROI of studying abroad feels shakier. As Akshay Chaturvedi from Leverage Edu noted, “Students are asking, ‘Will this degree pay off?’ More are looking at Germany or Ireland instead.”
A Shift to New Destinations
This isn’t just a story of decline—it’s one of adaptation. While Canada, the UK, and US falter, other countries are stepping up. Russia saw a 34% surge in Indian students, from 23,503 in 2023 to 31,44
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