In a significant development, the Canadian province of British Columbia has announced a two-year freeze on approving new colleges seeking to enroll international students, extending until February 2026. The decision comes as part of a broader initiative to safeguard international students from potential exploitation by unscrupulous institutions and to elevate the overall quality of post-secondary education in the province.
The province, home to a substantial Indian student population attending institutions such as the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, and the University of Victoria, is also set to introduce minimum language requirements at private training institutions. Additionally, higher standards for addressing labor market needs and ensuring degree quality are in the pipeline, as reported by Reuters.
Officials emphasize that this move aligns with the Justin Trudeau government’s efforts to manage a surge in immigration of international students, a factor linked to the housing crisis in the country. The decision is aimed at striking a balance between maintaining a welcoming environment for international students and addressing the challenges posed by their increasing numbers.
This announcement follows closely on the heels of the Canadian government’s decision to implement an immediate two-year cap on new international student permits, targeting a 35% reduction in student intake this year to around 360,000. Furthermore, the government plans to cease issuing work permits to certain students post-graduation.
With estimates placing Canada’s international student population at over one million, Indians constitute the largest share at 37%. However, Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller noted a decline in study permits issued to Indian students amid the diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
In 2023, Canada aimed to admit 500,000 permanent residents and 900,000 international students to stimulate economic growth. However, the country surpassed these targets, leading to a shortfall of 345,000 housing units. Coupled with rising interest rates, this presented significant challenges for the Trudeau government.
