International students | Options beyond Canada

Canada’s new limitations on international students

Canada is contemplating a cap on international students, a move sparked by the country’s housing affordability crisis, which is intensified by the high influx of foreign students. This development particularly impacts Indian students, who constitute 40% of the international enrollments in Canada. The Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller has introduced new financial requirements, raising the proof of accessible funds from $10,000 to $20,635, based on Statistics Canada’s cost of living benchmark. This measure aims to ensure students have sufficient resources for their education and stay.

Rise in student visa rejections

Further complicating matters, the Toronto Star reported a significant increase in student visa rejections from India in the second half of 2023, marking the highest refusal rate among all countries. The majority of these rejections were categorized as ‘other’ or ‘unspecified’, adding to the uncertainty for prospective students.

Alternative destinations for quality education at affordable costs

Given these challenges, students are increasingly looking at alternatives beyond traditional destinations like the US and the UK. World’s Education Service highlights five countries offering quality education at more affordable rates:

Norway

Norway offers free higher education at public universities (excluding specialized courses), with a wide range of English-taught programs. However, the country has a high cost of living, estimated at around ₹1.4 crore per year for a student.

Taiwan

Taiwan’s leading universities, such as the National Taiwan University, offer high-quality courses at competitive prices, with undergraduate liberal arts programs starting around ₹3 lakh. Over 120 courses are taught in English across more than 40 universities.

Germany

Germany does not charge tuition fees for undergraduate and PhD programs at public universities (except in Baden-Württemberg). Master’s students not holding an undergraduate degree from Germany may pay around ₹19 lakh, but scholarships are available.

France

France offers relatively low tuition fees (₹20,000-₹40,000 per year), with higher costs at selective institutes. However, living expenses, especially in cities like Paris, can be steep.

Mexico

Mexico’s private universities charge around ₹5 lakh on average for international undergraduate students. While Spanish is the primary language, more English-taught courses are being introduced. Living costs are also relatively low, especially compared to other popular study destinations.

Diversifying choices for international students

As Canada tightens its policies, international students are encouraged to explore these diverse and economically viable educational opportunities globally. These countries not only offer affordable education but also enriching cultural experiences, making them attractive alternatives for international students.