For years, Canada has been the crown jewel of higher education destinations, attracting students worldwide, especially from India. Its promise of world-class universities, cultural diversity, and a welcoming society brought over 319,000 Indian students in 2022, contributing a staggering CAD 20 billion annually to the Canadian economy. But that shine is dimming, as recent events have left Indian parents deeply skeptical about sending their children to the Great White North.
From rising crime to skyrocketing costs, a host of concerns now overshadow the dream of a Canadian education. These issues aren’t just isolated anecdotes—they’re supported by hard data and real experiences.
Safety Concerns: A Growing Cloud Over the Dream
For Indian parents, the safety of their children is non-negotiable. Yet Canada’s rising crime rates have sparked fear and uncertainty. A recent survey revealed that 70.35% of respondents believe Canada is becoming less safe for Indians, citing the growing presence of criminal and extremist gangs. Hate crimes have more than doubled since 2019, with anti-South Asian incidents increasing by 25% between 2022 and 2023 alone.
The Indian community has borne the brunt of these trends, with many reporting public harassment and even violent attacks. More troubling is the perception that the Canadian government is either unwilling or unable to tackle these issues. Over 62% of survey participants believe the government indirectly supports extremist activities, fueling a sense of vulnerability.
Canada’s reputation as a safe haven is now in jeopardy, with parents increasingly questioning whether it’s worth the risk.
The Cost of the Dream: Rising Expenses, Diminishing Returns
Studying in Canada has always been expensive, but the financial burden has become unsustainable for many families. Tuition fees for international students average CAD 33,623 per year, more than five times what domestic students pay. Add to this the soaring cost of living in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, and the dream of a Canadian education becomes unattainable for many.
The real kicker? Parents and students are beginning to doubt whether these expenses are justified. More than 52% of survey respondents believe the cost of education in Canada isn’t worth the career opportunities it offers. Many graduates face underemployment, taking jobs below their qualifications, or struggle to find work altogether. In late 2023, the youth unemployment rate for students aged 15–24, including international students, stood at 11.3%—nearly double the national average.
For Indian families making significant financial sacrifices, the lack of a clear return on investment is a dealbreaker.
Employment Challenges: Hitting a Wall After Graduation
The Canadian job market is proving to be another major hurdle. Visa restrictions, lack of Canadian work experience, and intense competition leave many international students struggling to find employment. A now-infamous viral video of thousands of students lining up for a single part-time waiter job in Brampton epitomizes the challenges they face.
Statistics paint an equally grim picture: 30% of international graduates are underemployed, taking jobs unrelated to their fields of study. Employers often hesitate to hire international graduates, deterred by visa limitations or perceived barriers to integration.
For parents hoping their children will secure good jobs and bright futures, these challenges are a significant deterrent.
The Drug Crisis: An Overlooked Threat
While academic and career concerns dominate headlines, Canada’s worsening opioid crisis is quietly becoming a major worry for parents. The country has recorded over 47,000 opioid-related deaths since 2016, with provinces like British Columbia and Ontario hardest hit. A troubling 40% of survey respondents expressed concern about drug-related problems, particularly as immigrant youth increasingly face risks of substance abuse the longer they stay in Canada.
For families sending their children halfway across the world, the fear of exposure to such issues adds another layer of anxiety.
Rising Racism: A Betrayal of Canada’s Multicultural Promise
Canada’s multicultural ethos has long been one of its greatest draws. But that image is cracking under the weight of rising racism and xenophobia. According to the survey, 64.1% of respondents believe hatred and racism against Indians are on the rise.
This trend is fueled by divisive political rhetoric and a growing perception among some Canadians that immigrants are to blame for issues like housing shortages and strained public services. For Indian students, these hostilities manifest in subtle and overt ways, from microaggressions to outright violence.
For parents, the thought of their children facing discrimination in a place they trusted to be inclusive is deeply unsettling.
A Declining Reputation
Even Canada’s academic reputation is under scrutiny. Nearly 60% of survey respondents believe Canadian universities are of lower quality compared to those in countries like the U.S., U.K., and Australia. While institutions like the University of Toronto and McGill University still rank highly, the perception of overall academic quality has slipped.
This is a worrying trend for a country that prides itself on being a global education leader.
What Needs to Change
Indian parents’ skepticism reflects a broader trust deficit between Canada and its immigrant communities. For Canada to reclaim its status as a top choice for international students, it must act decisively:
- Enhance Safety Measures: Address crime and hate incidents with targeted policing and community programs.
- Control Costs: Make education more affordable by capping tuition fees for international students or offering more scholarships.
- Improve Job Market Integration: Expand visa options, create pathways for work experience, and encourage employers to hire international graduates.
- Combat Racism: Invest in anti-racism education and initiatives to foster inclusivity.
Without these measures, Canada risks losing its appeal to the very students who have long been its ambassadors on the global stage.
The Bottom Line
For Indian parents, sending their children abroad is an act of hope—a belief in better opportunities and brighter futures. But Canada’s growing challenges, from safety concerns to financial strains, are chipping away at that hope.
The country must decide whether it will rise to the occasion and address these pressing issues or continue down a path that leaves its promise unfulfilled. Until then, Indian parents may increasingly look elsewhere for the education and opportunities Canada once so confidently offered.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Khalsa Vox or its members.