Despite the recent tensions between India and Canada, students currently pursuing their education in Canada are not facing any difficulties or interruptions in their academic pursuits, Piyush Kumar, regional director- South Asia and Mauritius, IDP Education, told FE Education. IDP Education, an overseas education consultant, asserts that they are diligently monitoring the situation and maintaining continuous communication with both students and universities. “Up to this point, there have been no reported incidents of students experiencing negative impacts on their academic or daily lives. Canadian institutions are actively supporting students in the current situation, while the Indian government advises students in Canada to register on madad.gov.in for onshore assistance,” he said.
The diplomatic tension between India and Canada was initiated in September 2023 when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested that New Delhi might be involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist advocate in British Columbia. India vehemently denied the accusation.
IDP Education asserted that a significant number of international students entered Canada in 2022 and Indian students account for a substantial portion of this group. Specifically, Indian students accounted for 41% of the total 5,51,405 students who arrived in Canada from 184 different countries during that year. “The enrollment for Canada from IDP Education increased by over 50% from FY22,” Kumar said.
The largest group of Indian students immigrating to Canada belong to Punjab, thereby constituting the majority among the 1.75 lakh international students who made the move. Approximately 40-45% of this total, amounting to 70,000 students, are specifically from Punjab, as per industry estimates. It is further believed that around one lakh Indian students are actively preparing for an English language test and securing financing to pursue studies in Canada in the upcoming year.
While top universities offer programmes with an annual cost of up to $29,000, colleges provide shorter and more economical options. There is a concerted effort by these educational institutions to engage with students, ensuring that any diplomatic disagreements do not adversely impact one of Canada’s prominent exports, its education services. “Canadian universities assure Indian students of their safety, provide resources for anticipated uncertainties and confirm uninterrupted academic pursuits—no cause for alarm,” he said.
Additionally, amid these tensions between both countries, there are no changes in scholarship opportunities or financial aid options for students planning to study abroad. IDP Education claims to have partnered with the State Bank of India to facilitate international student education loans. It further claims to have partnerships with ICICI Bank and HDFC Credila. These partnerships aim to provide students with further financial aid options or support for their education-related expenses.
The consultancy firm recommends that students uphold effective communication with their parents and guardians, ensuring they are kept well-informed about real-life situations to provide reassurance rather than unnecessary worry. “Furthermore, students should stay updated on any ongoing developments concerning their study abroad plans, emphasising the importance of being well-informed and thoroughly researched on the matter,” Kumar added.