Indian Student Enrolments Drop in US and Canada Amid Visa Delays and Rising Costs

Indian student enrolments at US universities fell sharply by 45% in August 2025, driven by visa delays, rising costs, and uncertainties around post-study work opportunities, according to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). Concurrently, international applications to Indian graduate management programmes rose 25%, reflecting a shift toward Asia and Europe as preferred study destinations. Meanwhile, Canada experienced an almost 90% decline in new study permits over two years due to tightened immigration policies and visa restrictions, further influencing global student mobility trends.