The international educational landscape is passing through a seismic shift, almost. Recently, Canada decided to place a cap on student intake, and Europe has slowed its visa processing resulting in many delays. Looks like there seems to be no end to the troubles of students aspiring to study overseas. A ray of hope for them comes in the form of the United States, which is now witnessing a surge in applications. 

The reasons put forward by Canada for the intake cap, including housing shortages and ensuring the quality of education sounded convincing. The brakes applied by Canada and the lazy approach from Europe have allowed the US to race ahead. Here is a look at how the US is benefitting from the environment of indecision in the global education sector created by Canada and Europe. It also raises the question of how much will be the success rate for students applying for student visas.

How the US can Benefit from an Uncertain Education Environment

Intake capping by Canada has resulted in significant diversion in the flow of students. Since the first choice of most international students hailing from India and other Asian countries is to study in English-speaking countries, so with Canada tightening its doors, the closest alternative left is the US. With Europe not so active in processing study visa applications, one of the traditional leaders in offering higher education, the US is now being looked at as the natural choice for many.

The bouquet of programmes offered by the US is as good as any other major education exporter. Although the expenditure of studying in the US, both in terms of tuition and living costs, is on the higher side, American institutes have an edge as they feature consistently in global rankings. Students who are serious about their studies and seek the best education will not complain as they have to divert towards the US. This is no doubt that its education is the best, and with no competition around, it is set to gain all the more. Whatever your overseas study ambition, prepare with proper planning by talking to overseas education consultants in Chandigarh.

Economic Boost by Capitalising on the Opportunity

As Canada adjusts itself to changes in the demand caused by significant student intake, it has allowed the US to capitalise on the situation. International student intake will not only boost its revenue but will result in additional job creation, including transportation, housing, and retail. Some long-run benefits are also provided as international students are engaged in research and innovation as well.

The US can take some new measures to increase its appeal to international students who are looking for alternatives as they are turned away by Canada. One among them is that universities can partner with companies to offer internship and employment opportunities to students. Students will be more inclined to move towards the US for higher education when they see an opportunity to work there. A boom for American institutions is not without risks as it will pose pressure on its infrastructure as well and students may face visa processing delays in future. So it may come across the same situation as faced by Canada and Europe at present.

Economic Impact through Education Export Uncertainty

As Europe is grappling with visa processing delays, it is not only frustrating for students but is also affecting the reputation of the continent as a promising study destination. It will also have long-term consequences for Europe as prolonged delays will deter students from considering Europe as a study destination. 

Canada, on the other hand, must have had good reasons to place the cap on yearly student intake. However, to outsiders and economists, there will be repercussions of this big step taken by Canada. The direct effect will be on the tuition revenue that comes from international students, this will ultimately affect the financial health of educational institutions. We are sure that Canada must have taken this factor into account as it stepped on the major decision.

International students spend not only on tuition fees but also on housing, transportation, food, and other goods. Fewer students mean this spending will also decrease along with related economic activity. Another indirect effect of the intake cap is less innovation and research output which impacts the workforce as there will be fewer candidates for permanent residency.

Also Read: Many Phases of Canadian Immigration from Open Doors to Targeted Selection

Immediate Action Needed by Canada

If we are to believe that Canada has placed a student intake cap because of the housing crisis and associated problems, these need to be fixed at the earliest. It should restore the unrestricted student intake it had, or else, it will continue to lose valuable revenue sources.

Canada will fall back in the situation for which it has been exporting education. Reduced student intake means less revenue, fewer people to work and contribute to the economy, and fewer candidates who are eligible to become permanent residents of the country. We should not forget that the population of Canada is aging plus the birth rate of the country is also declining. This is the reason it had resorted to multi-level immigration plans in the first place.

One factor that will stand in favour of Canada is the easy path to permanent residency. Becoming a permanent resident of the US or any other country is comparatively more difficult than in Canada. Students whose primary objective is to settle permanently in the country they move to study will still want to go to Canada. The country should be aware of this scenario and should not waste any time in bringing things in order. Here is how you can prepare to study in Canada, talk to immigration consultants in Chandigarh.

The Balancing Act

For international students, both the US and Canada are as good as brothers when it comes to pursuing quality higher education. However, those who like to study in Canada still wish they had not been stopped because of the intake cap. In all likelihood, these students still wish that the intake cap be removed so they can head to their beloved country. Canada should pay attention to this, as the intake capping is not only having an economic impact but emotional as well.