Canada has consistently ranked high on the list of preferred destinations for Indian students seeking international education. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data, 225,940 study permits were issued to Indians in 2022 out of a total of 549,260 permits for the year. In the first seven months of this year, IRCC data show, Canada issued 107,855 study permits to Indians out of a total of 289,875 study permits issued during that period.
One of the compelling factors that increases Canada’s popularity among Indian students is its affordability. The minimum tuition fee in Canada is about 12,000 CAD per year
Significantly more economical compared to colleges/universities in other developed countries.
In an exclusive interview, Piyush Kumar, Regional Director, IDP Education, South Asia and Mauritius, takes stock of the current situation to allay students’ and parents’ concerns about education in Canada and suggest precautionary measures.
What is the current situation towards Indian students currently studying in Canada and planning to join Canadian study programmes?
We have been involved in discussions with our students who are currently studying there, and they have assured us that their academic pursuits are uninterrupted and there is no cause for concern.
What are the biggest concerns for students and parents?
While it is natural for students and their parents to be concerned about studying in Canada in terms of safety given the current circumstances, it is important to stress that there have not been any tangible negative impacts on students already pursuing their education there. With regard to the exercise of caution, we refrain from using the term “caution.” Instead, we suggest that students already in Canada and those considering a move remain vigilant about any further developments regarding this matter and proceed with their study plans accordingly.
Also, for students who are already in Canada, regular communication with their family and friends is a good way to ensure that they are well informed about their real-life situation.
Should prospective students pause their plans until the dirt settles?
As Canada continues to grant visas to Indian students, we believe that students will continue to go to Canada unless there are some serious negative developments in the coming weeks and months. Prospective students should monitor the situation closely but can move forward with their plans as long as the situation remains stable. For those who intend to enroll next spring, we recommend expediting visa applications as a precaution.
How long does it take to get a Canadian student visa? Is it postponed now?
Currently, India has temporarily suspended visa services in Canada, but Canada has not made a similar announcement. Therefore, student visas will continue to be granted as per current procedures, and no delays in issuance of student visas to Indian students have been reported at this time. It usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to issue a visa.
This also means that Indian students who are in Canada or who have already obtained study visas for Canada will not be affected by the recent increase in diplomatic tensions.
What happens if students are late for their program by a semester? What happens to the education loan?
If a student chooses to delay their program for a semester, they will usually defer their enrollment to the next available intake. In such cases, education loans are usually extended according to the specific guidelines or specifications of the programme.
What is madad.gov? How does it help students?
The Indian Government has advised students planning to study in Canada and those currently studying there that they should register themselves on madad.gov.in to get internal support from the Indian Government.
How does IDP facilitate educational plans for Indian students who are planning to attend foreign universities?
IDP Education is a global leader in international education services. With a network of over 190 international student recruitment centres, it has a global presence in 35 countries.
Currently, IDP in India has 73 offices spread across 63 cities across the country and guides students and their families through the entire study abroad process – choosing a university/course, submitting an application, assisting with the visa process, pre-departure planning and much more. .
IDP is also the co-owner of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) which is accepted by more than 11,500 organizations in 140 countries.
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