USA has always been the first choice for Indian students. In recent times, its neighbour, Canada has seen an upsurge in student admissions from India. In 2012, 13,000 study permits were issued, a rise of 530 per cent from 2004. A number of factors have made Canada a favourable destination for academics. First and foremost, Canada has a flexible visa process. The Canadian government grants permanent residence to eligible students, who get work permits according to their course duration. One year of study makes them eligible for one year of work permit and two years of study makes them eligible for three years of work permit. If you study for two years and work for another year, you can apply for permanent residency.
The cost of studying an undergraduation course varies from CAD4,462-15,870 (approx `2.3-8.3 lakh) and a PG varies from CAD2,272-$17,499 (approx `1.2-9.2 lakh). Although the fees and living expenses are expensive, students feel that it is worth their stay. A huge Indian population makes students feel at home, well almost! Colleges like Centennial College, Toronto, have an Indian student population of 2,500 out of 4,000 students. They celebrate festivals like Diwali and Holi, which brings Indians closer to their homeland. Canada offers plenty of job opportunities. “The Canadian population doesn’t boast of youth much. Hence, international youth have bright career options,” says Yogesh Chandra, associate marketing representative of Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops BC. Canada excels in sectors like telecommunications, transportation and engineering, microelectronics, medical devices, advanced software, food and beverage processing, nuclear and hydroelectric power, geometrics and lasers and optoelectronics.
Canada also has a multicultural society. Every year, over two lakh people emmigrate to Canada, which has a national policy for multiculturalism. These factors make Canada suitable for study and living.
— malavikkasridharan@gmail.com