In an unforeseen turn of events, Canada’s Northern College, Scarborough campus, has dealt a severe blow to the aspirations of a multitude of Indian students, particularly from Punjab, causing a wave of disappointment and uncertainty.
Merely a month before the eagerly awaited September term was set to commence, the college unexpectedly rescinded admission offers, plunging students into a state of disarray. These young individuals had meticulously planned and prepared for their Canadian journey, having secured accommodations, booked airfare, and readied themselves for a new chapter in their lives. The official explanation for this disruptive move was the overwhelming surge in applications received by the institution.
Sunil, a specialist in Canada student visa cases at Pyramid e-Services, an immigration agency located in Jalandhar, revealed that the college was inundated with an unprecedented flood of responses. “The college extended more offer letters than available positions, assuming that not all students would successfully obtain embassy clearance and visas. However, the rejection rate proved to be unexpectedly low on this occasion, forcing the college’s hand in retracting admissions,” he explained.
In an attempt to ameliorate the situation, the college pledged to fully reimburse students’ fees. Furthermore, they extended the option to students to secure offer letters from alternative educational institutions, with the potential to transfer the corresponding fees to their chosen alternative.
Harmanjot Singh, a hopeful student from Kapurthala who had applied for a two-year business diploma at Northern College, expressed his dismay. Having already invested substantial resources, including the purchase of a non-refundable ticket valued at Rs 1.12 lakh for an August 29 departure, he and his peers were left astounded by the college’s 11th-hour verdict. The communication came in the form of an email, revealing the unfortunate lack of available seats at the college.
Beyond its immediate impact on students, the abrupt withdrawal of admissions has sparked widespread concern within Canada’s Sikh community. Various advocacy groups, including the World Sikh Organisation of Canada, have united their voices in protest against the college’s actions, urging a reconsideration of the decision.
Parents of the affected students have also voiced their grievances, highlighting the logistical and financial predicaments precipitated by this sudden change of plans.
With a mere month before the anticipated September term, the college’s last-minute admission cancellation has left students in a state of limbo. These young minds had already committed significant funds toward accommodations and airfare, poised for their upcoming Canadian voyage.
