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July 15, 2020

Canada as a preferred study destination for international students before and after Covid-19

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Canada has always been one of the most sought after nations for international students due to below-stated benefits.

  • Canada has a praise-worthy co-op education system that offers a gamut of options for study, research, and employment.
  • As per The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020, five Canadian universities are amongst the top 100 universities of the world. It is a testament to the global recognition of the qualification conferred by Canadian institutes.
  • Being a technically well-equipped nation, studying in Canada, students have access to the state-of-art study facilities.
  • The cost of education and living in Canada is lower than that of other developed nations like the USA and UK enabling the students to get a good blend of a high-quality low -cost education.
  • Ample opportunities for part-time employment coupled with the permission to work for 20 hours per week while studying and full time during holidays. This opportunity helps the International students to offset their academic expenses to an extent. Also, most students do not require a work permit to work on campus or in the vicinity of the campus while pursuing a full-time course.
  • Through Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, students can stay in the country and work full-time for a maximum of three years after completion of their education. The duration of the work permit depends on the duration of their program.
  • Canada being an international students’ paradise, facilitates a student’s transition from his home country to the institute campus. It is an extremely cosmopolitan country wherein diverse races live amicably. There’s a significant presence of the Indian community making an Indian student feel at home away from home. Also, learning in Canada offers a wonderful platform to mingle with students of different nations and learn about their cultures and customs.
  • With a very low crime rate, extraordinary hospitality, and excellent quality of life, Canada is a safe country to study and live. 3 Canadian cities making to the Global Liveability Index 2019 list of 10 most liveable cities in the world corroborate the afore-mentioned statement.
  • Scenic natural beauty, sightseeing, and outdoor activities further tilt the scales in favour of Canada while considering an overseas study destination.

Due to Covid-19, the world economy has been operating like an ECG report of a living person. With the global financial system in shambles, international students world over kept a hawk-eye on the manner in which the various hubs of international education dealt with this unprecedented crisis. The popularity of Canada amongst overseas students was expected to see a steep decline post the pandemic. However, thanks to the commendable and exemplary management of the chaotic situation by the Canadian government and their encouraging measures for foreign students, Canada still stands out as one of the academic hotspots for international students. They found Canada performing really well on the parameters of response to Covid-19, simultaneous efforts towards reviving the economy as well as ensuring the safety of Canadian citizens, and addressing the concerns for international students through its relatively lesser prohibitive travel restrictions. Some of the measures undertaken by the country for the assistance of international students are mentioned below.

  • Quebec’s immigration ministry has approved the stay of overseas students until December 2020. It is only for those students whose Quebec Acceptance Certificate will expire between 30th April 2020 and 31st December 2020.  Such students have to apply to the federal government for extension of their study permit. Upon acceptance, students can reside till December 2020 without any extra payment for completing their remaining courses that came to an abrupt halt due to Covid-19.
  • Moreover, while laying down the international travel restrictions from 18th March 2020, the Canadian government has permitted entry of international students whose arrival to the country was approved before the lockdown date but were yet to turn up in the country. After landing at the airport, they have to go through a complete health check-up and those who report negative for Covid-19 would be allowed to enter after two weeks isolation and those who would show even mild symptoms of the pandemic had to return back. This announcement has been a silver lining for the aspiring students to march ahead with their dream of studying at a Canadian institute.
  • The student visa holders that are engaged in the delivery of essential services have been exempted from the restrictions of 20 working hours per week while studying, till 31st August 2020. This exemption has resulted in twin benefits of Canadian citizens receiving an uninterrupted supply of their basic necessities and the healthcare students gaining valuable hands-on experience.
  • Through its schemes of Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) and Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) Canada has strived to provide adequate financial assistance to the eligible international students whose employment has been impacted by the coronavirus. The student is eligible for one of the benefits and no student can claim benefits under both the schemes.
  • Students who have study permits but are unable to reach Canada for full-time learning can complete a portion of their program through online mode. The good news is that online learning will be counted in the course duration for giving Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Though all the above-stated measures and benefits cannot replicate the opportunity of timely full-time campus learning but will be definitely a cornerstone in fulfilling several of the student’s aspirations of studying in Canada.

Apply to study in Canada with Rao Consultants & extend your study permit. Check your Canada PR eligibility with Canadian government approved ICCRC member Rao Consultants.

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