Punjab continues to lead India’s international education wave, with its students collectively investing a staggering $3.7 billion to pursue higher studies in Canada during the last academic year. This significant expenditure forms part of a broader trend where Indian students have spent a total of $11.7 billion on Canadian education in the 2023-24 academic year, according to the latest Indian Student Mobility Report (ISMR) by University Living.
Despite escalating education costs and more stringent Canadian immigration policies, Canada remains a favored destination for Indian students, particularly those from Punjab. Saurabh Arora, CEO of University Living, highlighted that Punjab, alongside Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh/Telangana, are the top contributors to India’s international student population. These states are followed by Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi, with Canada ranking just after the USA, Australia, and the UK as preferred study destinations.
The ISMR report reveals a remarkable surge in Indian students’ expenditure on international education, jumping from $37 billion in 2019 to $60 billion in 2023, with projections aiming for $70 billion by 2025. The number of Indian students studying abroad is also on the rise, expected to grow from 1.18 million in 2022 to 1.5 million by 2025, reflecting an annual growth rate of 8%.
Canada’s appeal lies in its robust academic programs, favorable post-study work opportunities, and clear immigration pathways. Despite the anticipated increase in Indian student enrollment in Canada—from 280,000 in 2022 to 349,000 by 2025—recent policy changes have introduced uncertainty. These restrictions are part of Canada’s strategy to manage the rapid growth in student inflow, ensuring quality education and adequate support services such as housing and job placements post-graduation.
On average, each Indian student spends around $27,000 on tuition fees alone, with total expenses, including accommodation and living costs, reaching approximately $40,000. This means Punjab’s initial contribution of $3.7 billion could realistically approach $7 billion annually.
Arora emphasized that for Punjabi students, Canada has long been seen not just as an academic destination but also as a gateway to permanent settlement. “The recent policy changes might slow the immediate influx of students from Punjab, where studying abroad is closely tied to future settlement. However, Canada’s robust academic offerings, employment opportunities, and immigration pathways continue to make it an attractive choice in the long run,” he stated.
Sumit Jain, owner of Jain Overseas in Jalandhar, echoed concerns about the new immigration restrictions. “We’re witnessing fewer applications as students consider alternative options due to the new regulations,” he explained, noting a drop in applications for the 2024 intake.
Similarly, Sachin Jain, Country Manager for ETS India and South Asia, acknowledged the challenges but remained optimistic about Canada’s opportunities for well-qualified students. “Despite the revised student cap of 437,000 by 2025, Canada still has ample opportunities for international students with strong academic backgrounds and language skills,” he said. Jain also pointed out that other countries like New Zealand, Germany, France, and Ireland are becoming increasingly attractive, especially for STEM and management programs, yet the overall demand for studying abroad remains high.
The HSBC Quality of Life Report 2024 underscores the strong preference among affluent Indian parents, with 78% intending to send their children overseas for higher education despite the financial challenges involved.
However, this trend is raising economic concerns in Punjab. Dr. Vishal Sarin, Professor of Economics at Lovely Professional University (LPU), warned that the mass migration of students abroad could jeopardize the state’s economic stability. “Families are often selling agricultural land to finance their children’s foreign education, prioritizing long-term settlement abroad over local development. This skilled workforce outflow poses a significant risk to Punjab’s future,” he cautioned.
As Canada navigates its educational policies and India’s student population continues to grow, the dynamics of international education remain complex. Balancing opportunities with economic and social implications will be crucial for both countries moving forward.
