Canada cracks whip, students eye options

Canada's decision to cap the number of internaс Cthe tional students this year and introduce stricter work visa rules will force students from India to opt for other countries. Counselling centres said even a year ago, half of their customers wanted admissions and immigration to Canada, but are now asking for other countries.

- Devina Sengupta

"The latest announcement is definitely going to have an impact," said Ajay Sharma, founder and president, Abhinav Immigration Services Pvt. Ltd. "There will be less demand for undergraduates, except those who want to pursue courses in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), healthcare and trade."

His comments come on the back of Canada introducing a two-year cap of new international student permits to curtail a housing crisis and check the quality of institutes offering these courses.

A succession of diplomatic rows between Canada and India since last year and tightened rules from the UK and Australia as well-has pushed the focus onto countries such as Ireland, Germany, Japan and South Korea.