Canada delegation meets education minister Pradhan to deepen higher education ties

Senior academic leaders from Canada’s higher education sector met Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in New Delhi on Feb 4 to explore ways to expand academic and research cooperation between the two countries.

The delegation, comprising representatives from 24 Canadian universities, was led by Canada’s Ambassador to India, Christopher Cooter.

Discussions focused on strengthening institutional partnerships with Indian higher education institutions, expanding research collaboration, and building long-term academic linkages.

“Appreciate their keenness to deepen academic and research engagements with Indian HEIs and further strengthen India-Canada cooperation in higher education,” Pradhan said in a post on X after the meeting.

According to the minister, the visiting universities expressed interest in setting up international campuses in India, enhancing research and innovation capabilities, supporting talent development, and creating new models aligned with future workforce needs.

The engagement comes at a time when Canada continues to host one of the largest populations of Indian students globally.

Data shared by the Ministry of External Affairs during the Winter Session of Parliament in December 2025 showed that 427,085 Indian students were studying in Canada across schools and higher education institutions.

A NITI Aayog report noted that in 2024, Canada emerged as the top overseas destination for Indian students, ahead of the United States with 337,630 students, the United Kingdom with 185,000, Australia with 122,202, and Germany with 42,997.

However, official figures from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada indicate a sharp decline in new international student arrivals in 2025.

The country recorded nearly a 60% drop compared to the previous year, with arrivals falling by about 132,000 students. The decline follows a series of policy changes introduced since late 2023.

In early 2024, Canada imposed a nationwide cap of 360,000 study permits to stabilize growth and ease pressure on housing and public infrastructure.

The limit was reduced further by 10% in 2025, alongside stricter verification of acceptance letters to prevent fraud and unauthorized enrollments. Financial requirements for study permit applicants were also raised to ensure students can manage higher living costs amid inflation.

These measures, combined with slower processing of applications submitted under earlier rules, have significantly reduced new student inflows this academic year.

Canadian authorities have said the policy shift is aimed at making immigration more sustainable rather than discouraging genuine students.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller has stated that the new limits are designed to “return temporary resident levels to below 5% of Canada’s population” over the coming years.

The government has cited growing concerns over housing shortages, rising rents, and limited job opportunities for short-term residents, including international students, saying the reforms are intended to improve outcomes for both students and host communities.