Canada’s influx of international students has surged dramatically over the past decade, with numbers reaching over 800,000 last year, nearly tripling in comparison. However, the surge in foreign students has prompted concerns regarding the quality of education and housing provisions, leading to warnings of potential visa caps from the country’s immigration minister, Marc Miller.
Expressing concerns about the quality of education and living conditions for newcomers, Minister Miller highlighted the need for designated learning institutions to enhance their support for international students. Warning of potential measures, including significant visa limitations, Miller emphasized the necessity of ensuring adequate student support within these institutions.
International students in Canada pay substantially higher tuition fees compared to Canadian students, particularly amidst skyrocketing housing costs. Statistics Canada reveals a significant contrast, with international undergraduates paying an average of C$36,123 compared to C$6,834 for their Canadian counterparts.
Minister Miller has given institutions and the provinces until September to uplift the support systems for international students, emphasizing the need to set them up for success. He stressed the responsibility to protect new students from substandard living conditions and cautioned against unscrupulous individuals exploiting students with inflated prices.
Addressing concerns of fraudulent practices, Miller highlighted the need to curb abuse within the education system, stating the existence of “diploma mills” in some provinces that undermine the legitimate student experience.
While Canada has not yet imposed a cap on foreign student visas, it has initiated a crackdown on private colleges. The government aims to prioritize visa issuance for students attending institutions that uphold top-tier services and support, including housing provisions, as announced in October.
Moreover, the immigration minister announced an increase in the financial requirement for new study permit applicants, stipulating that single applicants must demonstrate access to C$20,635, in addition to covering their first-year tuition and travel costs, starting January 1.
In a move benefiting international students, the policy allowing them to work more than 20 hours a week during class sessions will be extended until April 30, providing continued opportunities for financial support.
As Canada navigates the surge in foreign student enrollment, ensuring a high-quality educational experience and adequate living conditions remains a paramount priority, prompting government intervention and policy adjustments to safeguard the interests of international students.
Sources By Agencies
