India, Nov. 3 -- Canada's tightening of international student admissions has dealt a major blow to Indian applicants, according to new government data, as what was once a dream study destination loses its appeal for many in India.

Ottawa reduced the number of study permits for the second consecutive year in 2025, part of a broader effort to curb temporary migration and combat student visa fraud.

But the impact has been disproportionately felt in India.

By contrast, the overall rejection rate for all study permit applications remained steady at around 40%, while only 24% of Chinese applications were turned down.

The number of Indian applicants has also plummeted, from 20,900 in August 2023, when Indians made up over a quarter of all ap...