The recent diplomatic sparring between India and Canada has left students anxious and exploring alternative options for their overseas education. They believe it’s best to avoid traveling to Canada for their studies due to the precarious situation caused by India’s response to expulsion of Indian diplomat and allegations by Trudeau regarding the Nijjar’s killing.
Speaking with The New Indian, students shared their concerns about the prospects of studying in Canada.
Sheetal Tiwari, a 27-year-old working professional based in Mumbai, had planned to pursue higher studies at the University of British Columbia in Canada. After going through a lengthy admission process and receiving an acceptance offer, she now deems it ‘too risky’ given the current political strains between the two countries. She said, “I wanted to pursue a Master’s in Counseling at the University of British Columbia, but I’ve decided to withdraw my application and apply to the UK instead. Recently, a few of my friends returned from Canada and informed me about the complicated situation there.”
Another recent graduate, Sachin Bhatia, from Rajasthan, expressed concerns about studying in Canada. “Not only am I worried, but my parents are also concerned. I had applied to the University of Toronto and the University of Ottawa to pursue a Master’s in Computer Science. Now, we prefer the US and the UK over Canada.”
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Ritesh Jain, a 26-year-old Amazon employee, expressed shock at the diplomatic accusations. He decided to abandon his plans to study in Canada due to safety concerns. “Canada was my first choice, but now I will go to Australia for safety and well-being. Studying in Canada has become worrisome due to the threats against diplomats and sections of the Indian community there.”
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He also mentioned that students aspiring to study abroad are facing difficulties as they need to create entirely new plans for their study and travel.
Yash Gulati, founder of Inforens, a counselling platform assisting students seeking education abroad, emphasises that the current scenario will impact Canadian universities trying to attract Indian students in the future.
He said, “As of 2023, there were approximately 300,000 international students from India enrolled in Canadian institutions, which significantly benefits the Canadian economy. However, Canadian universities and colleges actively recruiting international students, including those from India, may encounter challenges due to rising diplomatic tensions.”
He also noted that Indian students are actively considering alternatives in the UK and Australia. “This situation will likely lead students to consider academic institutions in the UK and Australia because these governments are perceived as friendly, making international students feel invited, valued, and welcomed.”