In an interview with Reuters, Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller acknowledged that the issuance of study permits to Indian students significantly decreased last year. This decline was a consequence of the Indian government expelling Canadian diplomats due to a disagreement related to the murder of a Khalistani terrorist in Canada.
“Our relationship with India has really halved our ability to process a lot of applications from India,” Miller said in an interview with Reuters.
Following the tension between the two governments, Indian students were prompted to seek higher studies in other countries. This led to an 86% drop in study permits issued to Indians in the fourth quarter of last year from the previous quarter to 14,910 from 108,940, according to official data that have not been previously reported.
In recent years, Indians have become the largest group of international students in Canada. In 2022, over 41% of all permits, which is 225,835, were granted to Indian students.
However, Canada is facing a significant housing demand. In another interview with a reputed media house, Marc Miller hinted at the idea of setting a cap on the number of international students coming in to tackle the rising housing demand in the country.
Canada is a popular destination for international students since obtaining work permits after finishing courses is relatively easy.
READ ALSO: Will Canada Limit International Students? 5 Key Implications for Indians
Check out the top alternative study abroad destinations for Indian students, aside from Canada.
Germany: In Germany, many public universities don’t charge tuition fees. International students just have to pay a modest semester fee, which takes care of administrative expenses and grants them access to amenities such as libraries and sports facilities. The cost of living in Germany is affordable, especially when compared to other advanced countries.
Spain: In Spain, public universities usually charge lower tuition fees, which can vary from €750 to €2,500 per year for bachelor’s programs and €1,000 to €3,500 per year for master’s programs.
New Zealand: In New Zealand, universities provide a variety of courses, giving you plenty of options. Although studying in New Zealand may come with expenses, there are scholarships and financial aid options to help support international students.
Russia: Russia stands out in scientific and technical areas such as mathematics, physics, engineering, and medicine. Tuition fees are typically more budget-friendly compared to Western countries, and living costs can be reasonable, especially in smaller towns. International students also have the opportunity to receive scholarships and grants.
Note: The cost of tuition can vary widely based on the program and university you select. Certain universities and programs, especially those in business or medicine, may have higher fees.
“Our relationship with India has really halved our ability to process a lot of applications from India,” Miller said in an interview with Reuters.
Following the tension between the two governments, Indian students were prompted to seek higher studies in other countries. This led to an 86% drop in study permits issued to Indians in the fourth quarter of last year from the previous quarter to 14,910 from 108,940, according to official data that have not been previously reported.
In recent years, Indians have become the largest group of international students in Canada. In 2022, over 41% of all permits, which is 225,835, were granted to Indian students.
However, Canada is facing a significant housing demand. In another interview with a reputed media house, Marc Miller hinted at the idea of setting a cap on the number of international students coming in to tackle the rising housing demand in the country.
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READ ALSO: Will Canada Limit International Students? 5 Key Implications for Indians
Check out the top alternative study abroad destinations for Indian students, aside from Canada.
Expand
Germany: In Germany, many public universities don’t charge tuition fees. International students just have to pay a modest semester fee, which takes care of administrative expenses and grants them access to amenities such as libraries and sports facilities. The cost of living in Germany is affordable, especially when compared to other advanced countries.
Spain: In Spain, public universities usually charge lower tuition fees, which can vary from €750 to €2,500 per year for bachelor’s programs and €1,000 to €3,500 per year for master’s programs.
New Zealand: In New Zealand, universities provide a variety of courses, giving you plenty of options. Although studying in New Zealand may come with expenses, there are scholarships and financial aid options to help support international students.
Russia: Russia stands out in scientific and technical areas such as mathematics, physics, engineering, and medicine. Tuition fees are typically more budget-friendly compared to Western countries, and living costs can be reasonable, especially in smaller towns. International students also have the opportunity to receive scholarships and grants.
Note: The cost of tuition can vary widely based on the program and university you select. Certain universities and programs, especially those in business or medicine, may have higher fees.