Canada Tells Universities To Look Beyond India For International Students - Here's Why

(MENAFN- Live Mint) The Canadian government has urged universities and colleges to broaden their scope for international student recruitment beyond India, which is currently the largest source of students for study permits . This comes as part of a new strategy to increase diversity in the student body and reduce dependency on one country.

“I would say universities and colleges have been going to one or two source countries and constantly going back to the well on that, and we expect the diversity of students,” Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Marc Miller , said during a recent interaction in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), as reported by Hindustan Times.

While recognising India as an important contributor of international students, Miller emphasised that universities should seek a more balanced approach in their recruitment efforts. "That doesn't mean that Indian students aren't some of the best and brightest," he acknowledged.“Indeed, (as) one of the largest populations in the world, you would expect students to come from India,” he added.

Encouraging global talent diversity

Miller has asked educational institutions to“put a little more effort into the price of acquisition” and to“invest more in the talent that you're bringing here,” urging them to expand their reach to more countries.“And that is a message that is ongoing as universities and colleges are asked to not only rebrand but change their pitch to attract people from around the world from different countries,” he said, according to a video shared by Prime Asia TV, as per the HT report. However, Miller also noted,“There will always be some students from India,” recognising its continued role in the Canadian student demographic.

Focus on quality over quantity

In addition to diversifying the source countries of international students , Miller stated that Canada 's focus should be on maintaining the country's reputation for excellence in education.“I think we need to make sure that the Canadian brand does focus on excellence, on quality and less quantity,” he emphasised.

MENAFN17022025007365015876ID1109216849