From 44,444 to 30,238 — that’s a 31.9% drop in Canadian study permits issued to Indian students in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The numbers aren’t just startling — they’re telling.
According to a recent reports (Source), Canada’s new housing cap policy and federal permit quotas are tightening the funnel for international students. And Indian students — the largest foreign student cohort in Canada — are feeling the brunt.
But this isn’t just about numbers. It’s a signal.
A Shifting Reality for Global Education Aspirants
For decades, the promise of a global education — complete with exposure, employment, and migration — has drawn Indian students abroad. Canada, the UK, the US, and Australia have been the default destinations. But 2025 is showing us that this model has limitations.
- Housing shortages and political pushback are turning once-welcoming countries cautious.
- Visa delays, financial constraints, and geopolitical instability are adding layers of uncertainty.
- Indian students contributed over ₹70,000 crore (~$8.5 billion) annually to global education markets (source: ICEF Monitor). What happens when this mobility is disrupted?
From “Study Abroad” to “Study Internationally at Home”
This is where a crucial shift must be acknowledged: it’s time we ask…
“Should quality international education continue to depend on physical relocation — or can it be brought home to Indian students?”
The answer is unfolding in real-time, with more global universities exploring India as a viable destination, not just for recruitment, but for campus expansion, transnational education (TNE), and dual-degree programs.
Why India? Why Now?
India is not only the world’s largest higher education market with over 40 million university students, but also the youngest. With the median age of 28, and a projected 100 million learners in higher education by 2035 (source: All India Survey on Higher Education), the country is in urgent need of globally aligned, locally accessible education models.
Key facts:
- 76% of Indian parents are open to global curriculum models inside India (Source: IME Research 2024).
- Over 1 million Indian students aspire to study abroad each year, but only 18–22% make it due to cost or policy barriers.
- 15+ foreign universities, including the University of Southampton and University of Liverpool, have already announced Indian campuses in 2025–2026 (Source: New Indian Express).
The demand is enormous — the infrastructure is catching up.
India Market Entry (IME) is at the forefront of this transformation.
We’re not just an advisory firm — we are a launchpad for international education in India.
With a reach across:
- 83,000+ Educational Institutions
- 100,000+ Edupreneurs
- 11,000+ Corporate Learning Partners
IME helps top global institutions design, localize, and implement strategies for scalable entry into India.
We’ve helped major international educational brands successfully set up and expand in India, impacting thousands of learners with global-quality education — without migration.
“For every Indian student blocked by border policies, there are millions waiting for global education at their doorstep.”
A Future Where Borders Don’t Define Education
Canadian restrictions. UK visa overhauls. US uncertainties. They all point to a global education model that needs evolution.
With the support of experienced partners like IME, international universities and EdTech innovators can meet Indian learners where they are, while still offering the same academic excellence and global relevance.
Let’s Redefine “Global Education”
So here’s the open question for global educational institutions:
“Is your next international expansion truly global — or still limited by borders?”
India is ready. Indian students are eager. The time to act is now.
Ready to explore expansion in India? Let’s talk.
Visit www.indiamarketentry.com or write to us to learn how we can help bring your vision to Indian classrooms.
