Canada: How did this sparsely populated country become a centre of attraction for Indian students? | Mint

If you want to go abroad for higher education, you undoubtedly have many options to choose from. International students from India can opt for the US, Australia, Canada, the UK, and even some European destinations like France, Germany, Poland, Sweden, Poland, and Austria.

Of all these destinations, the most popular after the US is, of course, Canada. 8 lakh visas Immigration data shows that nearly 40 per cent of the total applications issued by Canada to international students in 2022 were from India.

This means that around 3.2 lakh Indian students are living in Canada on student visa.

The truth is that despite being the largest country in the world, Canada is a sparsely populated country with a population of only 4 crore. second largest country by total area. In addition, the country faces harsh winters in some provinces where the daily average temperature about -15 °C,

Then why do large numbers of Indian students go to Canada for higher education?

The number of students entering this North American country has become so high that the local government has started to control it. Limiting the number of study permits It is released every year.

In 2024, there will be 35 percent fewer student visas 3,64,000 new permits will be issued this year as compared to last year. Data shared by Immigration Minister Mark Miller showed that 3,64,000 new permits will be approved in 2024, which is 35 per cent less than the number of student visas issued last year (i.e. 5,60,000).

This was part of a move to impose a two-year limit on new international student visas amid a growing housing crisis.

Let us understand why Canada garners so much interest among international students from India.

Key factors responsible for attracting record number of students from India:

I. Affordable Study: Studying at a Canadian university is much more affordable than studying at a US university. For example, while a top US university like Stanford University might cost you more An MBA costs Rs 2 crore; admission to a top Canadian university will set you back less than half that amount. Rs 80 lakh

In terms of Indian currency, the Canadian dollar is more affordable than the US dollar. What is the Canadian dollar equivalent to? 61 while the US dollar is equivalent to 83.76 by 20 August 2024.

Second. Settlement opportunity: One of the major incentives to study abroad is to settle there.

Those who study in Canada for one year are entitled to stay there for one year, and those who study for higher education for two years can stay there for three years.

The student visa often converts into a work visa after which candidates can apply for permanent residence (PR) in Canada.

Third. Proximity to the land of opportunities: One of the major geographical advantages of living in Canada is that it borders the US.

Canada and the US share a 5,525-mile-long border that stretches from Alaska to Maine. It is also the longest international land border around the world.

Fourth. Democratic SystemCanada, like India, is a parliamentary democracy. Unlike many countries like the UAE or Saudi Arabia, which are rich but follow authoritarian rule, they do not usually attract students from democratic countries like India, at least not in the same proportion.

Besides, Canada The country has one of the highest per capita immigration rates in the world, driven primarily by economic policy and family reunification. 405,000 immigrants were admitted in 2021.

V english speaking nationThere are very few English-speaking countries that are known for their excellence in higher education. So it is no surprise that the US, UK, Australia and Canada receive a large number of international students from India.

Many countries, especially those in the European peninsula such as Germany, France and Switzerland are also known for their higher education institutions, but their base language is not English. This is considered to be one of the major reasons for them not being the first choice of Indian students.

Sixth. Indian diasporaAnother reason that has played a role in attracting a large number of Indian students is that there are a large number of Indian diaspora in Canada, especially in Vancouver and Toronto.

A large number of Indians live in Canada. More than 6 lakh Indians are living permanently in Greater Toronto, while more than 3 lakh Indian citizens are living permanently in Vancouver, this information has been given by the Indian Consulate General in Vancouver, British Columbia.