Don't pack bags yet, plan session for next fall: Canada universities to students

HYDERABAD: Representatives of Canadian universities, who are in Hyderabad for an education fair, have cautioned that the ongoing political turmoil between the two nations could lead to visa delays for Indian students and potentially disrupt the spring academic session scheduled to start in January. They advised students interested in Canadian colleges to consider planning their academic session for next fall/autumn, which is August 2024.

"With just three months left for students to travel for the spring batch, there is apprehension that visa processing times may pose challenges," said a representative on Thursday. Several of them indicated that they might wait for a week or so to assess the situation before deciding whether to issue admission letters for spring or for fall 2024. "We have been counselling students and telling them not to leave for Canada immediately," said the representative of a university in Vancouver, underscoring the potential delays in securing study permits.

Will wait another week before finalising admission plans, says Ontario university

Given the daily reports of political developments, a representative from an Ontario university said the institution would wait another week before finalising plans. Depending on the on-ground situation, they would decide whether to issue admission letters for January, May, or for fall 2024, ensuring that students do not have to defer admissions due to visa delays.

Some participants noted a lower turnout at the education fair compared to previous years, which they interpreted as a potential fallout of bilateral tensions. They emphasised that despite current concerns, Canada remains an excellent destination for higher education, and political issues shouldn't be a long-term concern.