Canadian public colleges offer generous scholarships amid declining student interest and high visa refusal rates 

Nearly all public colleges have now closed courses that do not allow for post-graduation work permits (PGWP) upon completion. This shift ensures that the courses available for international students are aligned with industry demand and opportunities that will help them obtain work permits, further enhancing their prospects for settling in Canada after graduation.

Sumit Jain of Jain Overseas, a consultant with over 15 years of experience in the Canadian education industry, said, “For the first time in my career, I’ve seen public colleges offering scholarships to every student who gains admission. The list of available courses has been streamlined to ensure students can pursue studies that will lead to PGWP eligibility and help them settle in Canada.”

“Among the generous offerings, Fanshawe College, Ontario, has introduced an innovative spouse scholarship programme. Couples where both the husband and wife are enrolled at the college will receive a separate $7,000 scholarship each. Similarly, a public college in Windsor is offering free accommodation for one semester, in addition to a $2,000 scholarship for eligible students. Several other colleges are also offering first-term free education, adding to the financial relief available to international students,” Jain added.

Why are students still showing less interest?

Jain pointed out that the shift in Canada’s student visa and immigration policies has caused uncertainty among prospective students. “While these scholarships are a golden opportunity for many who are facing financial challenges, many students are still hesitant to apply due to the changes in Canada’s immigration rules, especially with regards to PGWP and the spouse work permits,” he said. “It will take time for students to understand that these new policies are actually in their best interest in the long run.”

The qualification criteria for admission remain the same as before, with requirements like a minimum of 6 bands in the IELTS exam.

Consultants report that only about 30 per cent of students have applied for the May intake and that a mere 10-15 per cent have shown interest for the September intake, as a large number of seats are vacant in Canadian colleges currently. This contrasts sharply with previous years when over 200,000 students were heading to Canada annually.

Another consultant, Gurpreet Singh, explained that while the refusal rate for student visas remains high, students are adopting a “wait and watch” approach, uncertain about the evolving policies. “We are seeing fewer applicants this year,” he said.

“While no major changes are expected in Canada’s student visa policy in the near future, there is optimism surrounding new immigration pathways introduced by the Canadian government. These pathways could help international students transition to permanent residency, a key reason many choose Canada. Canada recognises the importance of immigrants to its economy, opening new avenues for students to settle permanently,” said consultant Tirath Singh.

The decline in interest among Indian students, particularly from Punjab, over the last few months is largely due to changes in the spouse open work permit, increased emphasis on skilled labour, and uncertainties surrounding PGWP eligibility.

Many Punjabi students prioritise settling in Canada, with education being secondary. Some youths who are not highly educated are marrying educated women with IELTS scores to sponsor their studies in Canada, with the expectation of being taken along. However, the closure of the spouse open work permit for several bachelor courses has deterred many from sponsoring their spouses’ studies, fearing they won’t be able to accompany their spouses, according to consultants.

Despite these challenges, consultants emphasise that serious students committed to higher education still have a golden opportunity. “For genuine students who want to pursue their studies seriously, choosing the right courses and developing in-demand skills will ensure their future in Canada,” said Jain. “With the right approach and dedication, students will secure their post-graduation work permit and permanent residency.”