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Hamilton Spectator
26-06-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Over half of Canada's 2025 study permits going to international students already here
The number of new study permits approved in 2025 is expected to drop by 50 per cent from last year as a growing number of the permits are going to international students changing schools or programs, or extending their studies in Canada, according to new projections. Fewer new international students — the result of a decline in new study permit applications and approval rates — could spell trouble for the postsecondary education sector, which will continue to see enrolment drop for at least the next three years, warns an analysis by ApplyBoard based on the latest government data. 'Onshore students and students extending their studies may help Canada reach its cap targets in 2025, but this trend is unlikely to hold in future years,' said the forecast released Wednesday. 'Search engine data has shown that interest in studying in Canada has fallen at a greater rate than for Australia, the U.K. or the U.S. And with issued study permit extensions now outpacing new study permits, the flow of new international students toward Canadian institutions is weakening.' Canada should be alarmed by the low new student count, said Meti Basiri, CEO and co-founder of the online marketplace for learning institutions and international students. 'We have effectively closed the tap,' he told the Star. 'When your graduation exceeds significantly your entry into the process ... two years from now you will have no students because you graduated everyone.' Last year, Ottawa capped the number of new study permits issued in order to reduce international student admission by 35 per cent, as Canada's temporary resident population was soaring. The cap did not apply to students for master's and doctoral programs or in elementary and secondary schools. This year, the study permit caps were reduced by another 10 per cent and include those pursuing post-graduate studies in the country. Leveraging early 2025 study permit data, ApplyBoard projects the total number of study permits issued may reach 420,000, just short of the overall cap (437,000). However, Basiri said that's deceiving because only 163,000 of these permits are going to new international students, half of the volume admitted in 2024 and nearly 70 per cent fewer than 2023. 'The total number of students still seems high, but give it 18 months or 24 months from now, you all of a sudden have a significant shortage of the students,' he said. 'Why? Because the top of the funnel wasn't filling up.' Lisa Brunner, a research fellow at the UBC Centre for Migration Studies, believes the softened demand has to do more with the post-graduation work permit changes than the cap. Many international students study abroad to ultimately obtain permanent residence but the changing policies have made it difficult to plan toward that goal. On Wednesday, the Immigration Department added 119 and removed 178 fields of study in key sectors from the work permit eligibility list for international graduates . 'Many international students in Canada today feel betrayed by the lack of permanent residency options that were promised to them,' said Brunner, who studies migration and education. 'If Canada does not make viable, predictable permanent residency pathways clear for international students, a portion of new students will turn to other so-called competitor countries.' ApplyBoard's projection takes into account two significant shifts that have occurred in the past 18 months: falling study permit approval rates and a significant increase in study permit extensions. Study permit extensions will account for over 60 per cent or 260,000 of the 420,000 total study permits issued in 2025, it noted, up from 44 per cent in 2024 and 29 per cent in 2023. Between January and April of this year, there was a 30 per cent drop in new study permit applications compared to the same months in 2024 and 70 per cent compared to 2023. The new study permit approval rates also declined to 33 per cent over the first four months of 2025, resulting in less than 31,000 new approvals. Basiri said Ottawa's study permit caps were established in part on the 60 per cent approval rate in 2023, almost double the current rate. It means a bigger pool of applicants is required to meet the targets. While colleges faced the most direct impacts of the caps in 2024 and continue to experience substantially lower demand in 2025, universities are now seeing a broader weakening of student demand, said ApplyBoard. According to the 2025 data, it said study permit applications for university bachelor programs dropped 39 per cent year-over-year, with applications for university graduate programs declining by 32 per cent. Many educational institutions have already laid of staff and cancelled programs . 'Fewer study permit applications are not necessarily bad,' said Brunner. 'The question is how institutions, provinces and the federal government manage the economic consequences rippling across the higher education sector.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
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Business Standard
20-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Indian students eye Germany, but US, UK, Canada remain top study choices
Over the past decade, a growing number of Indian families have planned for their children's overseas education with four destinations in mind: the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia. A degree from these countries brought prestige, exposure, and, often, a foot in the door to global careers. Today, however, that picture is changing. Rising costs and tighter visa rules are prompting many to ask a different question: Where else can students study? Data from India's Bureau of Immigration (BoI) shows that more students are now picking countries outside the traditional Big Four. In 2024, nearly 35,000 Indian students declared Germany as their destination—almost double the 2019 figure. Russia saw a similar trend, with 31,400 Indian students heading there in 2024. And Uzbekistan, once a negligible option with just 300 Indian students in 2019, saw close to 10,000 declarations last year. 'The global race to attract Indian talent will intensify, and emerging destinations that align education with employability, affordability, and long-term opportunities will attract the best and brightest minds,' said Meti Basiri, co-founder and CEO, ApplyBoard. Canada: 137,608 USA: 204,058 Australia: 68,572 UK: 98,890 Germany: 34,702 Russia: 31,444 Bangladesh: 29,232 Singapore: 14,547 Kyrgyz Republic: 11,875 Kazakhstan: 11,638 Shift students didn't ask for In the past year, major destination countries have announced policies that have made it harder or more expensive for Indian students. • Canada has capped study permits • The UK reduced dependant visas and is reviewing the Graduate visa • The US has paused some student visa interviews • Australia raised financial requirements and tightened post-study work rules As a result, many Indian parents are now reconsidering long-held assumptions about overseas education. 'The parents, who were once focused on how much they need to save, are now asking, 'Where should we even send them?'' said Basiri. Alternative destinations growing, but Big Four still dominate An analysis by ApplyBoard confirms that Indian students are still heading to the US, UK, Canada and Australia in large numbers—but the numbers show clear signs of disruption. Australia In 2024, about 139,000 Indian students held Australian student visas—up 11% from 2023. This included students benefiting from favourable terms under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), such as longer post-study work visas. However, new policies have made entry tougher: • Directive 111 has limited student visas • Applications from Indian students dropped 20% in 2023/24 • Higher visa fees and language requirements are in place Canada The total number of Indian study permit holders in Canada dipped by 8% to 393,000 in 2024. While approval rates for Indians were still about 30% higher than the global average, new permit caps and backlogs meant fewer fresh approvals. As students who enrolled in 2021 start to graduate, overall permit holder numbers are expected to drop further over the next two years. United Kingdom Indian student numbers in the UK declined 4% in the 2023/24 academic year, according to figures based on students with an Indian permanent address. Policy changes like the bar on dependants for non-research students may have contributed to the dip. But Q1 2025 figures show signs of a rebound: • Global student visa applications rose 30% over Q1 2024 • Indian main applicant visa submissions rose 29% Still, the UK's new Immigration White Paper—proposing a shorter 18-month Graduate visa—could affect future plans for many. United States Indian student visa holders in the US rose 23% year-over-year in 2023/24 to nearly 332,000, driven in part by the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme for STEM graduates. India overtook China as the largest source of international students in the US. Around 75% of Indian students were either pursuing STEM programmes or completing OPT. However, 2025 has brought new hurdles: • Pausing of the Fulbright scholarship programme • Suspension of new visa interviews in late May • Cutbacks at the federal Department of Education These changes are expected to affect the next wave of applicants. More Indians are declaring education as their reason for travel In 2024, nearly 760,000 Indian nationals told BoI officials that education was the reason they were leaving the country. This marks a steady increase from previous years, although 2024's numbers reflect a stabilisation after the post-pandemic spike of 2023. 'As more students plan to study abroad than ever before, affordability, safety, and return on investment have become key decision factors,' said Basiri.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Fading American dream? 5 destinations where students can thrive as Trump closes doors to the US
Facing stricter visa rules and a less welcoming environment in the US, international students are increasingly looking at alternative destinations for higher education. Ireland, Netherlands, Germany, France, and Singapore are emerging as popular choices, attracting students with strong academic reputations, post-study opportunities, and supportive environments. These countries offer appealing prospects amid shifting global educational landscapes. The American Dream is fading fast for international students. Since January 2025, under Trump's second term, the US has become a far more uncertain destination for global talent. Stricter visa scrutiny, growing surveillance, and political crackdowns have created a climate of fear on campuses once known for freedom and opportunity. The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, a lifeline for students seeking post-study work, now hangs by a thread. The H-1B visa is under attack, with proposals to narrow eligibility and increase denials. Harvard—once a symbol of American higher education—had its ability to admit international students suspended and faces a freeze on billions in federal funding. Its crime? Refusing to dismantle DEI programs and crack down on student protests. Meanwhile, AI tools are being deployed to scan students' social media for 'anti-American' sentiment. Hundreds of visas have already been revoked. The threat doesn't end there. Trump has reignited calls to end birthright citizenship, casting a shadow over international families seeking long-term futures in the US. For decades, international students poured into the US chasing innovation, mobility, and meritocracy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like See The Value Of Anyone's' Property in Singapore By Searching Address (Take a Look) SG Homes Click Here Undo Today, they face a nation closing in on itself—less welcoming, more watchful, and increasingly politicized. What was once a land of opportunity is now a maze of red tape and ideological tests. For many, the message is clear: The American Dream hasn't just dimmed. It's being rewritten—and they may no longer be part of it. As the US tightens its gates, students are looking at other parts of the world. Here is a look at the emerging alternatives to the US. Ireland Ireland is rapidly gaining traction as a preferred destination for international students, according to a new report by ApplyBoard, a Canadian study abroad platform to assist international students apply for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. In the 2023-24 academic year, the country recorded 40,400 international enrolments—a 15% increase from the previous year, suggests the report. Drawing on data from Ireland's Higher Education Authority (HEA), it highlights a remarkable surge in interest from Indian students, whose enrolment rose by nearly 50%. This growth enabled India to surpass the United States as the top source of international students in Ireland. I reland's appeal spans both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with postgraduate enrolments experiencing a significant 25% year-on-year increase. This trend highlights Ireland's growing reputation for advanced academic offerings, particularly in STEM fields, business, and technology. Netherlands The Netherlands is emerging as a new education destination for international students, according to recent data from Nuffic, a Dutch international education body. In the academic year 2025-26, international students make up 16.6% of the student population in the country, up from 15.9% the previous year, reflecting a steady upward trend. As per the data released by Nuffic in 2025, nearly 131,000 international students have enrolled in Dutch higher education institutions, with 92,372 at universities and 38,632 at colleges. Master's degree enrolments have seen particular growth, rising by almost 10% to reach around 20,000 students. Interestingly, 43% of these master's students had already completed their bachelor's degrees in the Netherlands—nearly double the 23% seen a decade ago—indicating strong student retention. Technical universities are leading this growth. Eindhoven University of Technology and Delft University of Technology reported international enrolment increases of 24.4% and 21%, respectively in the academic year 2024-25, showcasing the growing appeal of Dutch institutions among international students. Germany According to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Indian student enrollment reached a record 49,483 in the 2023–24 Winter Semester—a 15.1% increase from the previous year and more than double the number from 2018–19. Germany's strong academic reputation, especially in STEM fields, along with low or no tuition fees and relatively affordable living costs, makes it a highly attractive option compared to destinations like the U.S. or UK. Another contributing factor for Germany's increasing popularity is its strong 'staying rate' for international students. According to a 2022 study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, 45% of those who arrived on student visas in 2010 remained in Germany a decade later. This suggests that many international graduates find favorable job opportunities, post-study work rights, and quality of life in Germany compelling enough to settle long-term. France According to a recent data presented by the Union Minister of State for Education, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, in the Indian Parliament, France is increasingly becoming a favored destination for Indian students seeking international education. The number of Indian students in France has grown from 6,406 in 2022 to 7,484 in 2023, reaching 8,536 in 2024. This upward trend aligns with France's ambitious target to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030, as announced in a joint statement issued by India and France during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Paris in February earlier this year. France's appeal is enhanced by its strong global academic standing. In the Times Higher Education's Employability University Ranking 2025, 19 French institutions are listed in the top 250. Additionally, France ranks third globally in the Shanghai Ranking, with 14 institutions in the QS World University Ranking 2025 Top 500, and 22 institutions featured in the Top 100 across various disciplines in the World University Rankings by Subject 2025. With supportive post-work opportunities and a student-friendly environment, France is gaining popularity on the study abroad map. Singapore On the Asian front, Singapore is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Indian students, supported by the strong educational and economic progress of its Indian community. Minister K. Shanmugam recently highlighted that 41% of Indian residents aged 25 and above in Singapore held university degrees in 2020, up from 16.5% in 2000, reflecting a sharp rise in educational attainment. This growing trend, combined with strong job prospects in Singapore, is drawing more Indian students. Proximity to India, relatively lower costs, and clearer post-study pathways further enhance its appeal. Ready to empower your child for the AI era? Join our program now! Hurry, only a few seats left.
Fashion Value Chain
19-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
ApplyBoard Launches in Germany, Opening Doors to Europe's Top Study Destination for International Students
ApplyBoard, the world's leading platform for international student mobility, is proud to announce the launch of Germany as its newest study destination. This marks a major step in ApplyBoard's European expansion and introduces its first primarily non-English-speaking market, underscoring the company's commitment to supporting the diverse needs and goals of international students worldwide. Germany is set to welcome more than 400,000 international students in 2025, making it one of the fastest-growing and most sought-after destinations in Europe. With this expansion, Germany joins ApplyBoard's existing list of top study-abroad destinations: Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Ireland. ApplyBoard is also establishing partnerships with more than 10 leading German universities and colleges, with more institutions expected to join in the coming months. 'International students are shaping the future of global education,' says Meti Basiri, Co-founder & CEO of ApplyBoard. 'Our launch in Germany directly reflects what students are telling us-they want more choice, more affordable education, and better post-study opportunities. In fact, over 50% of students in our Fall 2024 Pulse Survey expressed strong interest in studying in Germany. This expansion is a major milestone toward our goal of supporting 20 global study destinations by 2030.' Germany's appeal lies not just in its academic excellence, but also in its affordability and strong career pathways. According to ApplyBoard's Fall 2024 Recruitment Partner Pulse Survey, 72% of education counsellors identified Germany as the most cost-effective study destination within ApplyBoard's six countries. This, combined with post-study work options and access to globally respected degrees, makes Germany a top choice for students everywhere. As global demand for international education continues to rise, ApplyBoard is helping students explore new possibilities. The company's platform simplifies the entire process, from exploring programs to submitting applications, making it easier for students from India to pursue a world-class education in Germany. 'Partnering with ApplyBoard opens the doors of German education to the world,' says Bryan Palmer, Interim Chief Commercial Officer EMENA at Global University Systems. 'The platform makes it easier for international students to apply and succeed, while helping institutions welcome more diverse and talented students who contribute greatly to academic communities.' Since its founding in 2015, ApplyBoard has helped over 1.3 million students from more than 150 countries access educational opportunities through its network of 1,500+ institutions. The company's expansion into Germany reinforces its mission to eliminate barriers and expand access to education for students across the globe. About ApplyBoard ApplyBoard empowers students around the world to access the best education by simplifying the study abroad search, application, and acceptance process to more than 1,500 institutions across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland and now Germany. Headquartered in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, ApplyBoard has helped over 1 million students from more than 150 countries along their educational journeys since 2015. To learn more, visit
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
International study permit data an 'earthquake' for Canadian university finances
A dramatic decline in international study permits issued last year is quickly becoming an existential threat to the finances of Canadian post-secondary schools, say organizations representing the institutions. "The drop in international students is like an earthquake hitting an education system that's already structurally weakened by years of underinvestment," said Gabriel Miller, president and CEO of Universities Canada. Provinces where international permit allocations were increased last year are also experiencing a decline in international enrolment, creating gaps in budgets that may lead to program cuts. The federal government said last week that Canada issued about 40 per cent fewer international study permits among kindergarten to Grade 12, post-secondary and postgraduate students last year, overshooting its 35-per-cent target. This year, it's seeking a further 10-per-cent reduction. A recent report from ApplyBoard, an online marketplace for learning institutions, said the number of permits approved for college students likely dropped by about 60 per cent, while approvals for international undergraduate students fell about 40 per cent. The total number of international study permits issued by Ontario was also essentially cut in half by the cap. ApplyBoard said it's projected the province had a 55 per cent decline in international permit approvals for 2024. The dramatic decrease led Toronto's Centennial College to suspend 49 full-time programs. The University of Winnipeg recently cut its women's soccer team and English language program to find cost savings, citing pressure from lower international enrolment. Alberta's quota for international students was boosted by about 10 per cent last year, but it's expected to see a 30 per cent decline in total study permit approvals when the 2024 data is tallied, said the ApplyBoard report. Meti Basiri, co-founder and CEO of ApplyBoard, said the federal government's new policies aiming to cut the number of international students have caused confusion and uncertainty for students planning to continue their studies in Canada. "That's pretty much all across every single level, whether that's PhD, master's, primary — even the programs or levels (and) institutions that were not part of any of these policy changes," he said. Basiri said the decline of international students has forced many colleges and universities in Canada to cut programs and close campuses, which means fewer programs for domestic students in the coming years. "Domestic tuition fees (are) going to go higher," he added. Miller said the numbers are a "big, bright, flashing yellow light for the country." The cap will hurt Canada in the long-term by forcing it to lose out on future workers, he said. Universities have already been teetering due to various decisions made by provincial governments that have inhibited their ability to create revenue, Miller said. The Ontario government, for example, has frozen tuition for domestic students until at least 2027, though it injected more than $1.2 billion in one-time funding last year in response to federal immigration reforms. In Alberta, cuts to the provincial post-secondary budget have led to significant tuition increases for domestic students. Plummeting international enrolment and governments' funding decisions will likely result in layoffs, larger class sizes and hiring freezes, Miller said. "A major drop in international student enrolment represents a fundamental change in the funding system for Canadian universities," he said. "And unless that system now is repaired by governments, we're not going to be able to meet the need for education among our own native-born population." The University of Calgary welcomed nearly nine per cent fewer international students last fall than in the fall of 2023, the school said in a statement. It said the drop equates to an impact of about $11 million on tuition revenue for the year. It didn't say how it would be affected. "This impact will grow over time, as students would have been anticipated to attend over multiple years." The university said in a statement that while it's too early to speculate on the cap's impact, it will "certainly lead to a budgetary shortfall, the full extent of which is currently being assessed." Ermia Rezaei-Afsah, president of the University of Calgary students' union, said several programs at the school have been frozen. "We're seeing that the caps are working better than they're intended to," Rezaei-Afsah said. "It's going to get worse in 2025," he said. "The reputational damage is immense." Pari Johnston, president and CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada, said it has been warning about the "devastating" impacts from the reforms. "Canadian student access to high-demand programs, the training and talent pipeline employers depend on, and local research and innovation capacity are all at risk," Johnston said. The federal government has maintained that funding challenges related to the cap are not its problem. Immigration Minister Marc Miller said in December that the government "didn't tell any university or college to charge international students four or five times what we charge domestic students." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 31, 2025. Matthew Scace and Maan Alhmidi, The Canadian Press Sign in to access your portfolio
