Indian students are choosing Canada over the US for study abroad: What is fuelling the "Canadian Dream?"

The global map of higher education is undergoing a seismic shift. Historically, the United States has dominated as the preferred destination for Indian students, prized for its world-class institutions and career opportunities.

However, a constellation of challenges, from skyrocketing tuition fees and mounting student debt to restrictive visa norms and rising political polarisation, has begun to erode its allure. In this evolving landscape, Canada is emerging as a compelling alternative, combining quality education with affordability, safety, and progressive immigration pathways.According to the Ministry of External Affairs, by the end of 2024, Canada hosted 427,000 Indian students, surpassing the 337,630 in the US.

Reinforcing this trend, a 2025 survey by ApplyBoard revealed that 94% of Indian study-abroad aspirants now rank Canada as their top destination, highlighting cost-effectiveness, security, and immigration-friendly policies as key determinants.

A roller coaster in student mobility

Student mobility has seen turbulent cycles in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic initially paused international flows, followed by geopolitical tensions and diplomatic disruptions that impacted enrollments in both the US and Canada.

Canadian universities, however, have experienced a pronounced rebound.For instance, Huron University in Ontario witnessed Indian enrolments plummet in 2024 but is now receiving nearly three times the number of inquiries and applications compared to the past two years, signaling renewed momentum, according to media reports. Similarly, international enrolments at the University of British Columbia have surged by 27%, illustrating a broader continental trend.

Affordability: The decisive factor

For Indian families, the cost differential is often the deciding factor. Canadian institutions offer world-class education at a fraction of the US price. While tuition at comparable American universities can be prohibitive, Canadian counterparts such as Huron University keep fees around half of US levels. By prioritising academic quality over non-essential expenditures like large-scale athletics and administrative overheads, Canadian universities maintain rigorous standards while ensuring affordability.This financial accessibility extends beyond tuition. Living costs in Canadian cities are generally more predictable and manageable, enabling students to focus on education rather than financial strain.

Beyond graduation: Strategic work pathways

Canada’s education ecosystem extends value beyond graduation. Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) allow students to remain for up to three years, bridging the gap between study and employment. Canadian universities increasingly integrate practical work exposure, with 100% of Huron University students receiving paid internships during their studies.

Consequently, 92% secure employment within six months of graduation, often in their chosen fields, creating a seamless transition from classroom to career, according to media reports.

This strategic advantage makes Canada particularly attractive to Indian students seeking both academic excellence and employability.

Safe and welcoming environment

Safety and social stability have become critical factors in study-abroad decisions. Canada’s reputation as a peaceful, politically stable nation contrasts sharply with rising violence and polarisation in parts of the US.

Low crime rates, minimal gun violence, and inclusive multicultural policies create a reassuring environment for both students and parents. The perception of a “safe, boring” country, free from the extremes of political and social unrest, is increasingly appealing in an unpredictable global climate.ConclusionThe calculus driving Indian student migration is no longer dictated solely by academic prestige. Affordability, post-graduation work opportunities, and a secure, welcoming environment are redefining global mobility patterns. As the US grapples with its internal challenges, Canada is solidifying its position as the new epicentre of higher education for Indian students. The shift is not merely numerical but emblematic of a broader reorientation in global educational priorities, a trend that universities worldwide must now reckon with.