India (Commonwealth)_In a heartfelt response to the recent diplomatic strains between India and Canada, Canadian universities are extending a warm embrace to Indian students, assuring them of their safety and offering valuable resources to navigate the uncertainty. As the new semester approaches, some students may be contemplating delaying their courses, while others are pondering the potential impact on their pursuit of higher education.
The diplomatic discord, ignited by remarks from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in September, has raised concerns. He suggested New Delhi’s involvement in the tragic demise of a Sikh separatist advocate in British Columbia. India vehemently denies the allegations, further complicating matters.
India holds a significant position in Canada’s international education landscape, with its students constituting nearly 40 percent of study permit holders. Their invaluable contributions to the Canadian economy exceed C$20 billion annually. Impressively, over 100,000 students in India were in the process of preparing for English language proficiency tests and securing financing for their studies in Canada next year.
In response to these apprehensions, leading universities are offering a diverse range of courses, some costing up to C$40,000 annually. Additionally, colleges are providing shorter, more budget-friendly options to ensure that the diplomatic tension does not adversely affect one of Canada’s most esteemed exports.
“We’ve also reached out to various partners in India, some of them are educational institutions, and foundations that we are working with to reassure our progress that we are committed to continuing on collaboration,” shared Joseph Wong, vice president of the University of Toronto, which proudly hosts more than 2,400 international students from India, out of the 86,297 enrolled in 2022-23.
Ensuring safety remains paramount for Canadian universities, who believe that the current impasse may be temporary. However, uncertainties surrounding upcoming semesters have led students to seek assurance regarding their safety in Canada. Ashok Kumar Bhatia, President of the Association of Consultants for Overseas Studies, acknowledged the heightened concerns among Indian students and emphasized the need for reassurance.
To address these concerns, consultancies like IDP Education are reaching out through video messages, offering comfort and information. John Tibbits, President of Conestoga College in Kitchener, Ontario, revealed that while approximately a hundred students out of thousands are inquiring about deferring their courses, many current students are considering online attendance. The main worry revolves around the uncertainty of visa policies and potential reactions from the Indian government.
The international student community has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, catapulting the industry to become one of Canada’s leading export sectors, surpassing even auto parts, lumber, or aircraft. Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller aptly described international students as “an asset that is very lucrative.”
In the state of Punjab, families and aspiring candidates are understandably apprehensive. With nearly one in four families having a member studying or preparing to study in Canada, the situation is deeply felt. In Amritsar, home to the revered Golden Temple, more than 5,000 students embarked on their Canadian journeys last year.
For individuals like Jiwan Sharma, a taxi driver, the decision to send his son to Canada is a profound one. He reflects on the significant investment made in the hopes that his son will find a promising future and support them in their later years.
As of now, there are no signs of tensions easing. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly has expressed Canada’s willingness to engage in private talks with India to seek resolution in this diplomatic dispute. Gurbakhshish Singh, a commerce student in Amritsar, laments the deterioration of India’s relationship with the welcoming nation of Canada.
In the midst of these uncertain times, Canadian universities stand steadfast in their commitment to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their cherished international students. Through unwavering support and genuine concern, they hope to reassure these students and their families, affirming that education remains a beacon of hope and opportunity.
