The Canadian government has recently proposed a new policy that will limit the number of international students who can enroll in Canadian colleges and universities. The policy aims to protect the domestic labor market and reduce the pressure on public services. However, this policy will also have significant consequences for Canadians, international students, and the education sector. In this article, we will examine some of the main impacts of this policy on different stakeholders.
How Canadians will be impacted?
One of the arguments in favor of the policy is that it will create more opportunities for Canadian students who face competition from international students for admission and scholarships. However, this argument overlooks the fact that international students contribute to the diversity and quality of education in Canada. They bring different perspectives, cultures, and skills that enrich the learning environment and foster innovation. Moreover, international students pay higher tuition fees than domestic students, which help subsidize the cost of education for Canadians. According to a study by Statistics Canada, international students contributed $21.6 billion to the Canadian economy in 2018, including $6.4 billion in tuition fees. If the number of international students decreases, Canadian colleges and universities may have to increase their fees for domestic students to cover their expenses and this will adversely hit already unstable budget of Canadian parents and students.
Another argument in favor of the policy is that it will reduce the burden on public services such as health care and social security, which are funded by taxpayers. However, this argument ignores the fact that international students also contribute to the public revenue through taxes and consumption. According to the same study by Statistics Canada, international students paid $1.6 billion in income taxes and $3.1 billion in sales taxes in 2018. They also spent $11.4 billion on goods and services such as housing, food, and transportation. Therefore, international students are not a drain on public resources, but rather a source of economic growth and social vitality.
How colleges and universities will be impacted?
The policy will also have a negative impact on the Canadian education sector, which relies heavily on international students for its financial sustainability and academic excellence. According to Universities Canada, international students accounted for 16% of the total enrollment in Canadian universities in 2019, up from 8% in 2010. International students also represented 27% of graduate students and 40% of doctoral students, who are essential for research and innovation. The policy will reduce the number of qualified and talented students who can pursue higher education in Canada, which will affect the quality and reputation of Canadian institutions.
Moreover, the policy will reduce the revenue and resources of Canadian colleges and universities, which are already facing budget cuts and challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Colleges and Institutes Canada, international students generated $3.4 billion in revenue for Canadian colleges in 2019, representing 26% of their total revenue. The policy will force colleges and universities to cut their programs, staff, and facilities, which will compromise their ability to deliver high-quality education and services to all students
How Punjabi international students will be impacted?
The policy will also have a disproportionate impact on Punjabi international students, who make up a large share of the international student population in Canada. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), India was the top source country of international students in Canada in 2019, with 219,855 study permit holders, followed by China with 142,985. Among Indian students, Punjabi is the most common mother tongue, spoken by 83% of them. Punjabi students choose Canada as their preferred destination for higher education because of its quality, affordability, diversity, and opportunities.
The policy will limit the chances of Punjabi students to study in Canada, which will affect their personal and professional development. Many Punjabi students come from low-income or rural backgrounds and rely on scholarships or loans to finance their education. They also face cultural and linguistic barriers that make it harder for them to adapt to a new environment. The policy will reduce their access to education and support services that can help them overcome these challenges.
The policy will also affect the immigration prospects of Punjabi students who wish to settle in Canada permanently after completing their studies. Many Punjabi students apply for permanent residency (PR) through programs such as Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which award points based on factors such as education level, language proficiency, work experience and Canadian connections. The policy may make it more difficult for Punjabi students to meet the eligibility criteria or compete with other applicants for PR which will limit their options for staying in Canada.
What are the other good options for Punjabi students aspiring to study abroad?
The policy does not mean that Punjabi students have no other options for pursuing higher education abroad. There are still many countries that welcome international students with open arms and offer quality affordable and diverse education opportunities. Some of these countries include:
- New Zealand: New Zealand offers a post-study work visa for up to 3 years for eligible international students who have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher. This visa allows students to work for any employer and in any occupation in New Zealand, without needing a job offer or sponsorship. New Zealand has a diverse and multicultural society and Punjabi is one of the languages spoken by some New Zealanders.
- Norway: Norway is a country in Northern Europe that offers high-quality education and a variety of programs for international students. Norway has a reputation for being a safe, tolerant, and environmentally friendly country with a high standard of living. Norway also has a rich culture and natural beauty that attracts many visitors.
- France: France offers a five-year short-stay Schengen visa for Indian students who have completed at least one semester of Master's degree in France. This visa allows them to travel freely within the Schengen area and return to France without any restrictions. According to the Franco-Indian roadmap, France aims to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030, up from 10,000 in 2019
- Ireland: Ireland offers post-study work rights to international students, which allows them to stay in the country and work for up to two years after completing their studies. This is a major benefit for Punjabi students who are looking for opportunities to gain international work experience.
Students from Punjab can explore these options and find the best fit for their goals and preferences. However, they should also be aware of the challenges and risks involved in studying abroad such as visa requirements, cultural differences, language barriers and safety issues. They should also do their research and compare the benefits and costs of different destinations before making a decision.
Conclusion
The government capping on international students is a controversial policy that will have far-reaching implications for Canada and its education sector. The policy will affect not only international students, but also Canadians, colleges and universities, and the economy. The policy will also have a disproportionate impact on Punjabi students, who are one of the largest groups of international students in Canada. Punjabi students will face more challenges and barriers to study, work, and live in Canada. However, they will also have other options to pursue higher education abroad if they are willing to explore and adapt to new environments. The policy is not final yet and may change depending on the feedback and reactions from various stakeholders. Therefore, it is important for Punjabi students to stay informed and prepared for any possible changes in the future.