Key takeaways
- IRCC data: 93,735 study permits for Indian citizens became effective in 2025, down from 277,940 in 2023
- Proof of funds: $23,448 for living costs (about ₹15.9 lakh at the Bank of Canada rate on October 9, 2026), plus tuition and travel
- The Student Direct Stream ended on November 8, 2024; all students now use the regular stream
- The New Delhi checklist accepts education loans only from banks governed by the Reserve Bank of India
- IRCC’s New Delhi instructions warn that applications received after April 1 (May intake), August 1 (September) or December 1 (January) may not be processed in time
How many Indian students come to Canada now?
India has been the top country for Canadian study permits for years. The numbers fell after Canada capped study permits in 2024.
| Year | Permits for Indian citizens | Share of all permits |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 277,940 | 40.8% |
| 2024 | 188,115 | 36.6% |
| 2025 | 93,735 | 24.6% |
| 2026 (January to July) | 38,150 | 21.9% |
Source: IRCC open data, study permit holders by country of citizenship and year the permit became effective (data to July 31, 2026). A permit “becomes effective” when it is issued, so the count includes new students and extensions. IRCC rounds values to the nearest 5.
On December 31, 2024, 392,810 Indian citizens held a valid study permit, out of 996,375 in total. India was still first in 2025, ahead of China. For the national picture, see how many international students are in Canada.
What changed for Indian students?
- The fast-track streams are gone. The Student Direct Stream (SDS) and the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) ended at 2:00 p.m. ET on November 8, 2024. Everyone now applies through the regular study permit stream. IRCC says the regular stream accepts a guaranteed investment certificate (GIC) as proof of funds.
- There is a cap. Most new college and undergraduate students need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL). See the study permit cap and PAL rules.
- Students in degree-granting master’s and PhD programs at public schools are exempt from the PAL/TAL from January 1, 2026. The exemption does not cover private schools.
- Proof of funds went up. For applications from September 1, 2026 (outside Quebec), one student must show $23,448 for living costs, plus first-year tuition and travel.
For Indian students, the end of the SDS matters most. Under the SDS, students used a set checklist and got faster processing. Now every application is assessed under the same regular rules, with the New Delhi visa office instructions below.
What does it cost in rupees?
The table converts sample first-year costs at the Bank of Canada rate for October 9, 2026: ₹1 = $0.01475. Your bank will use its own rate, and it will change.
| First-year cost | Canadian dollars | Rupees (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| IRCC living-cost minimum, 1 person | $23,448 | ₹15.9 lakh |
| College diploma at Conestoga College, most programs, 2 terms (2026/2027 tuition only) | $15,477 | ₹10.5 lakh |
| College route total (tuition + living minimum) | $38,925 | ₹26.4 lakh |
| Average international undergraduate tuition in Ontario, 2026/2027 | $50,088 | ₹34.0 lakh |
| University route total in Ontario (tuition + living minimum) | $73,536 | ₹49.9 lakh |
| Plus study permit fee $150 and biometrics $85 ($235 in total), travel, a medical exam and school ancillary fees. | ||
Tuition averages are from Statistics Canada (table 37-10-0045-01, full-time degree programs, 2026/2027). Across Canada, the average international undergraduate paid $42,062 and the average international graduate student paid $24,693. Compare more programs in tuition fees in Canada and college vs university.
The $23,448 is a minimum for IRCC, not a real budget. Rent alone can use most of it in Toronto or Vancouver. See student cost of living by city.
What does the New Delhi visa office ask for?
IRCC publishes extra study permit instructions for the New Delhi office (IMM 5957, version 12-2024). You use them with the general Document Checklist (IMM 5483). Key points:
- Study Permit Questionnaire and the checklist as a cover sheet.
- Passport valid for your whole program, plus old passports. IRCC cannot issue a study permit past your passport’s expiry date.
- Proof of financial support at the current IRCC amount.
- Education loans must come from a bank governed by the Reserve Bank of India. IRCC says all international banks operating in India meet this rule.
- Strongly recommended: your latest diploma or leaving certificate, and mark sheets for the whole program. IRCC says consolidated mark sheets are not accepted.
- Strongly recommended: receipts for any tuition you have paid to the school.
- Certified translations for any document not in English or French.
A medical exam is required for India if you will stay more than 6 months, under IRCC’s country list. You may also be asked to attend an interview.
Timing
The New Delhi instructions recommend applying at least 3 months before travel. They say applications received after April 1 for May, after August 1 for September, and after December 1 for January will not normally be processed in time and may be refused.
How can I show proof of funds from India?
IRCC accepts several kinds of proof. Examples are bank statements for the past 6 months and an education loan. A guaranteed investment certificate (GIC) from a Canadian financial institution also counts. So do proof that you paid tuition and a letter from the person paying for you. IRCC says you must prove you have enough money without working in Canada.
- Education loan: must come from an RBI-governed bank, as above.
- GIC: a guaranteed investment certificate from a Canadian financial institution. Compare options in the student GIC guide.
- Family funds: show where the money came from, not just a recent large deposit.
Sending money abroad from India has its own rules, such as the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) and tax collected at source (TCS). These are covered in paying Canadian tuition from India and bringing money from India.
College or university: which route fits?
| Route | PAL/TAL needed? | Typical first-year tuition | Points to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| College diploma or certificate | Yes | Conestoga: $15,477 for 2 terms (2026/2027) | PGWP eligibility depends on the program’s field of study |
| Bachelor’s degree | Yes | Canada average $42,062; Ontario $50,088 | Longest and most expensive route |
| Master’s at a public university | No (from January 1, 2026) | Canada average graduate $24,693 | Usually needs a strong bachelor’s degree |
See master’s and PhD in Canada and the PGWP eligibility checker. Which route fits depends on your current qualifications, budget and goals.
Can I work while I study?
Yes, if you meet the conditions. Full-time students at a DLI may work up to 24 hours a week off campus during classes, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You need a valid study permit that allows work and a social insurance number (SIN). IRCC says working more than 24 hours a week during classes breaks your permit conditions, and you can lose your student status. Read working while you study.
Which scams target Indian students?
In the 2023 fake-letter cases, IRCC said 89% of the cases first examined involved Indian citizens. IRCC said the cases involved unauthorized consultants. Before you pay any agent:
- Check the school on the DLI list and the agent on the CICC register.
- Pay tuition only to the school.
- Never sign a blank form and keep copies of everything.
Full checklist: study in Canada scams.
Guides for students from other countries: Nigeria, the Philippines, China and Sri Lanka.
Common questions
How much money do I need to study in Canada from India?
Is the Student Direct Stream still open for India?
Which Indian banks can give an education loan for a study permit?
When should I apply for a September intake?
Do Indian students need a medical exam?
Sources
- IRCC open data: Study permit holders by country of citizenship (data to July 31, 2026)
- IRCC: End of the Student Direct Stream and Nigeria Student Express
- IRCC: Study permit, proof of financial support
- IRCC: Provincial attestation letter (PAL/TAL)
- IRCC: Study permit visa office instructions, New Delhi (IMM 5957)
- IRCC: Medical exam requirements by country (modified July 16, 2026)
- IRCC: Fee list
- IRCC: Work off campus as an international student
- Statistics Canada: Table 37-10-0045-01, tuition fees by level of study
- Conestoga College: International fees and payment (2026/2027)
- Bank of Canada: Daily exchange rates