What you should know about Canada's cap on international students and how to increase your chances of being admitted:

Indian students who were hoping to pursue higher education in Canada were taken aback by the country's statement last week regarding an immediate limit on international enrollment.

Favored by immigrants, Canada is well-known for its lax regulations, high acceptance rates, and plenty of opportunities. However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has temporarily placed a cap on the number of study visas issued to foreign students. Based on information released by the IRCC, it is anticipated that the..

To what extent should Indian students be concerned, and is this likely to become an ongoing policy?

It's critical to acknowledge that this policy change may only be temporary. The education sector has seen cyclical shifts over the years, as well as corrective actions to solve issues that have arisen. Although pronouncements have been made in the past, the actual situation has frequently been favorable, according to Saurabh Arora, CEO of University Living.

Policies affecting the processing of study visa applications for Indian students are probably going to affect the large decline in applications that occurred between July and October of 2023. Concern grew as it According to a Toronto Star article, the word "other" was used to reject nearly 40% of Indian student visa applications in the second half of 2023, the highest percentage of rejections globally.

But according to Arora, there are many reasons to be hopeful that this is only a phase and that, in the long run, Canada's appeal as a destination for overseas students will remain, possibly reverting to the advantageous circumstances we've seen in the past.

How can someone increase the likelihood that they will be chosen from the cap?

A maximum of 360,000 study licenses will be granted by Canadian provinces and particular institutions in 2024. According to Adarsh Khandelwal, co-founder and director of Collegify, "students should focus on top colleges, building robust academic and extracurricular profiles that stand out" in order to increase their chances of being accepted.

According to the new policy, the number of study licenses allotted to each province will be determined by the size of its population, and it will be left to the provinces to distribute them among the universities that are permitted to admit international students.

"It is recommended to choose main campuses over distant ones. Concerns over system integrity raised by Immigration Minister Miller emphasize the importance of students selecting universities with a track record of excellence in teaching and dependability, Khandelwal continues.

Not limited to new students alone

The IRCC has also declared changes to the requirements for Post Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) eligibility, in response to recent reductions in study permit limitations.

International students enrolled in programs covered by content licensing agreements will no longer be eligible as of September 2024. This seeks to resolve issues with private college oversight. Furthermore, master's and short graduate-level program graduates are only eligible to apply for a three-year work permit.

In the near future, the IRCC will offer additional information about open work permits for foreign spouses of students, but only for those enrolled in master's and doctorate programs. Others are not included.

According to Khandelwal, "this significantly shifts Canada's immigrant-friendly image."

What other choices do Indian students have?

Several countries that are becoming popular for studying abroad include Germany, France, Ireland, Dubai, Malta, Spain, Singapore, and New Zealand. According to University Living's Arora, Germany's exceptional affordability and vibrant academic environment have resulted in a 107% surge in Indian student enrollment.

Spain is a welcome alternative because to its quicker (30–60 day) immigration process and cheaper cost of living. Dubai's active educational infrastructure and expedited immigration procedure (15–20 days) make it a standout destination for individuals looking for exciting cultural experiences. The intellectual powerhouse of Asia, Singapore, has seen a tenfold surge in Indian students in just one year. Additionally, France has committed to housing 30,000 Indian students by 2030. Ireland and New Zealand are starting to look appealing as well.

"It's critical to take into account aspects like healthcare systems, cost of living, and employment prospects after graduation. In this changing environment, being aware enables students to make decisions that are in line with their academic and professional objectives," suggests Khandelwal.

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