Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan convened a significant meeting on Wednesday with a high-level delegation representing 24 leading Canadian universities. The delegation was led by Ambassador Christopher Cooter, the High Commissioner of Canada to India, marking a pivotal step in fortifying bilateral educational relations between the two nations.
Strengthening Academic and Research Engagements
The primary objective of this meeting was to deepen academic and research engagements with Indian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Discussions centered on collaborative efforts to enhance innovation capacities, talent development, and the creation of a future-ready workforce. Both parties expressed a shared commitment to advancing a long-term educational agenda through innovative models and partnerships.
Canadian Universities' Proposals
As highlighted in a post on the microblogging platform X by Minister Pradhan, the Canadian universities demonstrated a keen interest in establishing international campuses in India. This initiative aims to strengthen academic, research, and innovation frameworks, while also focusing on talent development and building a skilled workforce for the future. The collaborative spirit underscores a mutual desire to create sustainable educational ecosystems.
Current Student Mobility Trends
According to data from the Ministry of External Affairs, shared during the Winter Session of Parliament in December 2025, there are currently 4,27,085 Indian students in Canada. This figure encompasses students across schools, universities, and tertiary institutions, reflecting the substantial educational ties between the two countries.
Historical Context and Recent Shifts
In 2024, Canada emerged as the top international higher education destination for Indian students, hosting approximately 4,27,000 individuals. This was followed by the United States with 3,37,630 students, the United Kingdom with 1,85,000, Australia with 1,22,202, and Germany with 42,997, as per a report from NITI Aayog.
However, recent data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) indicates a notable decline in new international student arrivals in 2025. The country recorded a nearly 60% decrease compared to the previous year, with new arrivals dropping by about 1.32 lakh students. This shift is attributed to comprehensive reforms implemented in student and temporary worker programs since late 2023.
Policy Changes Impacting Student Mobility
In early 2024, the Canadian federal government introduced an annual cap of 3.60 lakh study permits nationwide to stabilize growth and address pressures on housing and infrastructure. This cap was further reduced by 10% in 2025, leading to decreased allocations across provinces and territories.
Additional measures include mandatory verification of acceptance letters through an official process to curb fraud and unauthorized enrollments. The government has also increased financial requirements for study permit applicants, ensuring students are better prepared to manage living costs in Canada's high-inflation environment.
Rationale Behind the Policy Shift
Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasized that the goal is not to restrict genuine talent but to make immigration sustainable and better aligned with labour market needs. The new limits aim to return temporary resident levels to below 5% of Canada's population in the coming years.
Concerns have been growing regarding the surge of short-term residents, particularly international students, who face challenges such as housing shortages, high rents, and limited employment opportunities. These policy changes are designed to ensure better outcomes for both students and host communities, fostering a more balanced and supportive environment.
Future Prospects and Collaborative Efforts
Despite the recent decline in student arrivals, the meeting between Minister Pradhan and the Canadian delegation highlights a proactive approach to strengthening educational ties. By exploring opportunities for international campuses and enhanced research collaborations, both nations aim to create a resilient and forward-looking higher education framework.
This partnership not only addresses immediate academic and research needs but also sets the stage for long-term cooperation in talent development and innovation, ensuring that India and Canada remain key players in the global education landscape.
