Published on
December 22, 2025
Poland, Hungary, Ireland, UAE, Chile, the Bahamas, Norway, and other countries are experiencing an uptick in international travel as Canada’s new, stricter study visa regulations prompt students to seek alternative destinations for their education. These changes, aimed at managing the growing influx of international students, have led to a noticeable shift in global student migration trends, with students increasingly turning to these countries for high-quality education, more accessible visa policies, and greater post-study opportunities. As a result, these nations are seeing significant growth in their outbound travel sectors, fueling a travel boom and creating new opportunities for international students.
In a significant move that has sparked a ripple effect across the global travel and education sectors, Canada has introduced stricter requirements for international students seeking to study in the country. These new regulations have ignited a travel boom, with countries such as Ireland, Poland, Hungary, UAE, Chile, Bahamas, Norway, and more experiencing increased interest in outbound travel as students seek alternatives to Canada’s tightening study visa policies. This shift reflects broader global trends in international student mobility and a growing appetite for education abroad.
Canada’s Study Visa Changes: A Shift in Policy
Canada has long been one of the top destinations for international students, with its welcoming immigration policies and high-quality educational institutions. However, recent data from Statistics Canada and the Ministry of External Affairs suggests a slowdown in Canada’s population growth, driven primarily by the introduction of stricter visa requirements for international students.
As of the third quarter of 2025, Canada’s population shrank by 0.2% to 41.6 million, reversing a long-standing trend of population growth fueled by immigration. This decline, which mirrors the impact of COVID-19 restrictions in 2020, underscores the significant role that immigration—especially international students—has played in the country’s demographic and economic development.
The new study visa regulations, introduced in response to rising demand and concerns about the impact of international students on the domestic job market, have added hurdles for students looking to pursue their education in Canada. These changes have impacted the flow of students, with some looking for alternative destinations that are equally attractive but with fewer entry barriers.
The Global Impact: Rising Travel Interest
As Canada’s immigration policies become more stringent, students from countries like India and China are now looking to other countries for their higher education needs. Among these emerging destinations, countries such as Ireland, Poland, Hungary, UAE, Chile, the Bahamas, and Norway are experiencing a noticeable travel surge. These countries offer competitive study opportunities, more accessible visa policies, and vibrant student life experiences that make them appealing alternatives to Canada.
A Look at the Countries Experiencing Travel Growth:Ireland: With its strong academic institutions, English-speaking environment, and post-study work opportunities, Ireland is attracting increasing numbers of students from countries affected by Canada’s new visa policies. The country’s proximity to the European Union adds to its allure, providing students with easy access to the broader European job market.Poland: Poland, a hub for European education, offers a range of study programs in English at highly ranked universities such as the University of Warsaw and Jagiellonian University. Its low cost of living and vibrant cultural scene make it an ideal study destination for international students.Hungary: Hungary has become a hotspot for students from India, China, and other countries in recent years. With universities like Eötvös Loránd University and the University of Szeged, Hungary offers high-quality education at a fraction of the cost compared to Western Europe and North America.UAE: The UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has seen an increase in demand for higher education, especially among students from Africa, Asia, and Europe. The country’s diverse population, modern infrastructure, and world-class educational institutions make it a popular choice for international students.Chile: As one of South America’s most stable economies, Chile is quickly becoming a top destination for students in the region. Its universities, such as Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, are highly regarded, and the country’s proximity to other Latin American countries makes it an attractive option.Bahamas: While not traditionally a top study destination, the Bahamas’ strategic location, tropical climate, and growing educational opportunities have made it increasingly popular among students from North America and the Caribbean.Norway: Known for its high-quality education system and strong emphasis on research, Norway offers free higher education for students from the EU/EEA and affordable options for students from other regions. It is becoming an increasingly popular destination for students looking for a globally recognized degree.Understanding Canada’s New Study Visa Requirements
For students from countries like India, a major contributor to the international student population in Canada, the new visa policies represent a substantial shift. Canada has long been a preferred destination for Indian students, with over 4,27,085 students currently enrolled in universities and tertiary institutions across the country.
The study permit process in Canada is relatively straightforward but has become more stringent in recent months. A study permit allows students to stay in the country while studying, but applicants must first be accepted by a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. In addition to providing proof of acceptance, applicants must also demonstrate their ability to fund their studies and living expenses while in Canada.
What’s New in Canada’s Visa Process?
One key change in the process is that applicants now need to provide more detailed documentation and a clearer plan regarding their post-study intentions. The Canadian government has also introduced more stringent measures to verify that applicants will leave Canada after their studies.
Study Permit Application: Students must apply for a study permit after receiving admission to a program at a Canadian institution. Upon approval, they will receive a letter of introduction confirming eligibility to study, along with a visitor visa (TRV) or electronic travel authorization (eTA), depending on nationality.Port of Entry: Once the study permit is approved, students will undergo a brief interview with a Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer upon arrival. This review ensures that all documentation is in order and that the student is complying with Canadian immigration regulations.The Role of Post-Study Opportunities
Another factor that’s influencing the global trend in student migration is the availability of post-study work opportunities. While Canada’s stricter visa requirements may limit some students’ ability to stay post-graduation, other countries are offering more generous post-study work options.
Key Post-Study Work Policies in Popular Destinations:Ireland: After completing studies, international students in Ireland can apply for a work visa that allows them to stay in the country and gain valuable work experience. This opportunity is available for up to two years, making Ireland an attractive option for students seeking to start their careers abroad.Poland and Hungary: Both countries offer post-study work permits that allow students to remain and work for a limited time after graduation. These opportunities, coupled with low living costs, make both destinations attractive for international students.UAE: The UAE has introduced a new system allowing international students to stay and work in the country for up to five years after graduation. This, along with the country’s burgeoning job market, is making the UAE an increasingly popular choice for students seeking both education and career opportunities.Norway: Norway allows students from outside the EU/EEA to stay and look for work after graduation for up to one year. The country’s strong economy and demand for skilled professionals in various sectors have made it an attractive destination for graduates.
The changes in Canada’s study visa requirements have triggered a global shift in the study-abroad landscape. As Canada’s immigration policies become more stringent, students are turning to alternative destinations that offer competitive educational opportunities, more relaxed visa policies, and robust post-study work options.
Ireland, Poland, Hungary, the UAE, Chile, the Bahamas, and Norway are just a few of the countries that stand to benefit from this shift. These destinations not only offer high-quality education but also provide students with pathways to build careers in dynamic economies. As global mobility continues to evolve, these countries will likely see sustained growth in international student enrollment, further enriching their educational and cultural landscapes.
Poland, Hungary, Ireland, UAE, Chile, the Bahamas, Norway, and more countries are experiencing a travel boom as Canada’s stricter study visa policies drive international students to explore alternative destinations with more accessible entry requirements. This shift is fueling growth in student migration and travel across these nations.
By understanding these shifts, students can make more informed decisions about where to pursue their education, ensuring that they have access to the best opportunities available to them on their international study journey.
