India–Canada Higher Education Partnership: Canadian Universities Set to Establish Campuses in India

The Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights the internationalisation of the Indian education ecosystem. The survey explicitly stated that India should be positioned as a global hub to attract international students.

Contributing to this transformative step, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has invited Canadian universities to establish campuses in India. The step is projected to open new corridors for indian students who dream to study abroad. Additionally, it will also cooperate in India and Canada’s strategic partnership. Higher education ties between both countries will experience firmer ground. Study in Canada will reach new heights.

A noteworthy step was when India and Germany Closed the Deal on HE

Education Minister Meets Delegation of 24 Canadian Universities

On Wednesday, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met a delegation of 24 top Canadian universities. The host was Canada’s Ambassador to India, Christopher Cooter.

Talks were held to encourage Canadian Universities to expand their branches in India. The Canadian campuses in India will be of mutual benefit for both countries. On one hand, India will get a future-ready workforce. Meanwhile, Canada can build a long-term education model.

The timings of this deal could not have been any better. This development comes at a time when study abroad interest grows strong. And students are actively planning to study in Canada.

Along with Japan, USA is also working toward strengthening its outreach in India.

Why This Meeting Matters for Indian Students

If you are someone who has already decided to study in Canada for Indian students, it means that you can have a Canadian education without even going to Canada. This talk highlights:

• Importance of academic partnerships.
• Vitality of research collaboration.
• Enhancement of innovation and talent development.
• Expansion of transnational education opportunities.

Dharmendra Pradhan later posted on X:

“Appreciate their keenness to deepen academic and research engagements with Indian HEIs.”

Canadian Universities Exploring Opportunities in India

Canadian university presidents are visiting India to explore:

• Higher education institutions
• Government bodies
• Industry stakeholders

The visits are held:

India’s Push to Internationalise Higher Education

The Economic Survey 2025-26 and a NITI Aayog report recommend bringing more foreign universities to India.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued 14 Letters of Intent (LoIs) to foreign universities. The countries are:

• Australia
• Italy
• United Kingdom
• United States

Campuses will be established in these cities:

• Bengaluru
• Delhi NCR
• Mumbai
• Chennai

Programs Likely to Be Offered by Foreign Campuses

These international campuses will run these courses:

• Business and Economics
• Finance and Accounting
• Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
• Cybersecurity
• Software Engineering
• Entrepreneurship
• Biomedical Sciences
• Game Design and Innovation

Indian Students in Canada: Big Numbers, Changing Trends

Canada maintains an allure for Indian students. The Ministry of External Affairs shares data from time to time:

4,27,085 Indian Students in Canada

Canada ranked as the #1 destination in 2024:

Adding to this momentum, the Union Budget has also reduced taxes on overseas education funds.

Why Are Fewer Students Arriving in Canada in 2025?

Study in Canada demand is still high. But numbers show a different picture. New arrivals dropped in 2025.

This decline was 60% if we read IRCC data.

Big reasons:

• Study permit cap in 2024
• Further 10% reduction in 2025
• Mandatory verification of acceptance letters
• Higher financial requirements for applicants
• Slower processing of applications

Canada has consistently reinforced that these measures have been taken to make migration more sustainable, not to discourage international intakes.

What This Means for Study Abroad Aspirants

If you are also contemplating studying abroad, and especially focused on study in Canada for Indian students, it's important to know the offerings of Canadian campuses in India.

• Easier access to Canadian degrees
• Reduced relocation costs
• India-based global education options
• New research and exchange opportunities

The Crux

In an era where bandwidth defines the outcomes of blackboards, this development marks a new chapter. When THE rankings were released, the same issue was flagged about the Indian higher education arena. That we lack internationalization of our knowledge system, HE to mention specifically. But as we move closer to finalizing a deeper academic tie with Canada, the opportunities rises manifolds. 

If a student dreams about study in Canada, they can do it right here. Canadian education opportunities within India will make the future look more connected than ever. But at the same time, the authorities must be cautious of the over-commercialization. 

The promise is powerful, and that balance will define the success of this new chapter between India and Canada.