Canada used to be the default 'easy' study-abroad choice for Indian students. That changed fast. If you're deciding today, you need the current picture, not advice from 2022.
Verify current rules. Canadian study rules are changing every few months. Every figure here is accurate as of mid-2026, but you MUST confirm against IRCC before acting.
What actually changed
- A national cap on study permits, issuance is down roughly 35% from the 2024 peak.
- Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) now required for most applicants (master's/PhD at public schools exempt from Jan 2026).
- Proof of funds raised to CAD 22,895 (~₹14.2L) for a single applicant, from the old CAD 10,000.
- Student Direct Stream (SDS) scrapped in Nov 2024, no more 20-day fast track for Indians.
- PGWP tightened, college diploma grads now need a field of study tied to labour shortages, plus a language test.
Indian study-permit approvals roughly halved in 2025. This matters most for college-diploma applicants.
Who Canada still works well for
| Profile | Outlook |
|---|---|
| University degree at a strong public DLI | Still solid, no PGWP field restriction |
| College diploma for the work permit | Risky, confirm the program is PGWP-eligible |
| Funded research / PhD | Excellent |
Is the PR pathway still there?
Yes, but it's narrower and more competitive. Don't enrol assuming PR is guaranteed, pick a program worth it on its own merit.
The honest bottom line
Canada is not closed, but it's no longer the soft option. A degree at a reputable public university with genuine funds is still strong. A cheap college diploma bought as a PR shortcut is the riskiest bet right now.
Want a frank read on whether Canada fits your situation? Talk to an Aurora mentor who's been through it.