Indians make up nearly one‑third of Canada’s international student body

Indian students comprised 31 % of all international students in Canada at the end of 2025, the highest share among source countries. Canada hosted 691,215 international students across all levels, a 33 % drop from 2023. China supplied the next‑largest group at 12 %, followed by Nigeria and the Philippines at 5 % each and France at 3 %, according to data from the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE).

Distribution

Colleges and CEGEP programmes accounted for 30 % of the enrolment, bachelor's degree students 26 %, K‑12 and Quebec vocational programmes 24 % and university graduate students 14 %. Ontario attracted 286,610 students (42 % of the total), British Columbia 151,735 (22 %) and Quebec 103,190 (15 %). Together these provinces held about 78 % of all international students. In terms of study fields, STEM drew 42 % of students, business 31 %, social sciences 14 %, hospitality and tourism 3 % each, trades and vocational programmes 2 % and ESL/FSL 1 %.

Choice Factors

CBIE reports that safety, inclusion and cultural diversity were the top reasons Indian students chose Canada. Chinese students prioritized immigration pathways, while Nigerian and Filipino students highlighted employment prospects. For Ontario and Quebec, research and further academic opportunities were key; affordability led choices in the Prairies and Atlantic regions, and British Columbia appealed for its natural environment. Overall, 53 % of international students said they plan to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

Context

Canada’s share of globally mobile students stands at 11 %, making it a major destination despite the recent decline. The concentration in STEM and business aligns with the country’s strategy to link education to sectors that can absorb graduates.