Fewer job offers in Australia, Canada push students towards Europe
The recent decision by Australia to cap its intake of international students to 2,70,000 for 2025, down from 5,10,000 in 2022, has made it increasingly difficult for Indian students, particularly those from Punjab, to secure visas for overseas education. Canada had earlier implemented similar restrictions, capping student visas and increasing the Guaranteed Investment Certificate requirement to $20,000. These changes have sparked a shift in migration preferences, with more students now eyeing Europe as a viable alternative.
Traditionally, the most popular destinations for students from Punjab have been the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia. However, the tightening of visa regulations in these countries has led to a significant 60% drop in migration requests from Punjab. Germany, in particular, has emerged as a favoured destination for STEM (science, maths, engineering, technology) students due to its research-based programmes, fee waivers and English-language offerings. Additionally, Eastern European countries like Latvia, Ireland and Finland are becoming popular for those seeking unskilled work permits.
Bikram Chabal, president of the Association of Visa and IELTS Centres in Amritsar, noted that while Canada still offers relatively easier migration for skilled professions like nursing and childcare, the recent restrictions on study programmes, especially for college diplomas and undergraduate degrees at private institutions, have made it more difficult for Indian students. The UK’s rising unemployment, high cost of living and growing anti-immigrant sentiment have also contributed to the decline in its appeal as a destination for Indian students.
Rajwinder Pal Singh, an immigration expert with 15 years of experience, emphasised that Canada once saw an influx of up to 9,00,000 student visa applications annually from India. However, applications have dropped by 55%, with Germany emerging as the top choice for STEM students and Eastern Europe for unskilled visa applicants. According to Singh, 44,000 Indian students are currently enrolled in German institutions, and that number is expected to increase in 2024-25.
Anurag Manakikar, Associate Director at Henley and Partners Immigration Services, highlighted the high cost of living and tuition fees in the US as barriers to mass migration. In contrast, European countries like the Netherlands offer student-friendly policies, such as rental allowances and scholarships, making them increasingly attractive for students pursuing management and finance programmes. However, most European countries still have a limited annual intake of around 6,000–7,000 international students.
Data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shows that only 33,000 study permits were processed in the first quarter of 2024, compared to 70,000 during the same period in 2023. Of these, only around 4,000 permits were granted to Indian students, with the overall approval rate dropping to 50%, eight percentage points lower than the 2023 average.
