India-Canada Conflict: What Choices Do Students Have if Not Canada?

As the India-Canada relationship continues to strain post-Ottawa’s allegations linking Indian government agents to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Indian students in both countries are in a frenzy over uncertainties caused in their higher education plans. The souring relations are raising security concerns as India, on Wednesday, advised its nationals in Canada, especially students, to exercise caution. Meanwhile, students who are to start their academic journey in January 2024 fear increased scrutiny and visa rejections.

The country’s higher education institutes host a large Indian body. In 2022, more than 300,000 Indians were pursuing higher education in Canada. While international students get better opportunities and earning potential through higher education abroad, they also contribute to the economic and cultural growth of the host country. International students (the majority chunk being Indian) contribute to the Canadian economy by paying tuition, fees, and living expenses. In 2021, international students contributed $21.6 billion to the Canadian economy and supported over 170,000 jobs. So, a safe and tension-free environment is a must for Canada to not hamper its economic growth. 

Its immigration-friendly PR (permanent residency) policies have been the biggest draw for Indians looking to settle abroad. Canada has 1.4 million people of Indian origin, making up 3.7% of the country's population, according to the 2021 census. Additionally, 1.18 lakh Indians got Canada PR in 2022.

However, in recent years the student visa rejection rate has been climbing. Despite the record-breaking number of Indian students heading to Canada post-COVID, the rejection rate has been as high as 40-45% as opposed to the earlier 15-20%. 

Overall, the tension between India and Canada has the potential to have a negative impact. In light of the shifting geopolitical dynamics, should students continue to look to Canada, or can they reap similar benefits at other destinations?

Indian students pursuing higher education abroad are at an all-time high, and they are already preferring some newer destinations in Europe, like Germany, France, Sweden, and Finland. Indian students going abroad for higher education recorded a six-year high in 2022 at 7,50,365, according to the Education Ministry data. And this number is predicted to grow steadily. Indian students in Germany have been on a constant rise; last year, Germany hosted 34,134 Indian students. 

Germany as a nation is immigration-friendly and is offering increased opportunities to Indians. It promotes the immigration of skilled workers, especially in occupations with shortages, while also fast-tracking permanent residencies. Germany is the biggest issuer of the European Union Blue Card in Europe, which gives holders the right to move to other EU member states and apply for a residence permit there. They can also bring their spouse and dependent children and are not restricted to working in a specific job or industry. 

Similarly, France has announced plans to welcome 30,000 Indian alums by 2030 via a 5-year short-stay Schengen visa to those who have completed at least one semester of study in France to strengthen its ties with India. Earlier this year, France's also announced an extended 5-year post-study work visa for Indian students completing their master’s.

Also, India and the European Union (EU) have long-standing cordial cultural and strong trade relations. The EU is India's third-largest trading partner, and India is the EU's 10th-largest trading partner. Meanwhile, Germany is India's largest trading partner in Europe and among India's top 10 global trade partners. In 2022, the total value of trade in goods between India and Germany was €24.8 billion. France is India's 2nd largest trading partner in Europe and 10th largest trading partner worldwide.

Additionally, several EU nations, including Germany and France, subsidize higher education in public institutes for both domestic and international candidates. So these globally-recognized degrees are much more affordable while allowing graduates access to a free work market. 

With such opportunities opening up for Indian students, they have no dearth of choices while aspiring for education abroad and a successful career forged by these foreign degrees.