Canada is fast becoming one of the major education centres attracting students from all over the world, including India. Here are excerpts from an interview with Lucie Edwards, High Commissioner of Canada to India, where she talks of the education scenario in the country of maple leaves.
What is the percentage of Indian students studying in Canada?
For Indian students, I would say that the number on an average is growing by 20 per cent every year. However, the largest group is still formed by the Americans followed by the Chinese.
What do the Indian students prefer: undergraduate or graduate courses?
Undergraduate courses are preferred, though students go for both all across the country. I am also told that where English is concerned, the Indian students do better than their counterparts from other countries. The simple reason is that in Canada, English proficiency is important and Indians speak excellent English. They also do extremely well in other courses.
How well recognised are Canadian universities and courses internationally?
Whether we talk about India or other countries, the Canadian courses are highly reputable and have a high standing.
How easy is it for Indian students to get admission into Canadian institutes?
Some programmes are more demanding than others, hence, it’s equally difficult for all students, irrespective of their nationality. Some of our courses are as easy or as complex as those offered by the IITs in India. Financially, we offer programmes at competitive costs, so it is definitely an advantage. Culturally, most universities are fairly small and are hospitable. Indian parents need not fear that their children will get lost or won’t be taken care of in Canada, since there are a million Indians there.
Are the two countries looking at any kind of tie-up?
Most Canadian universities are independent, so it has nothing to do with the government. But yes, often universities look for exchange programmes for faculty and graduate students. In India, satellite campuses are being set up to help students complete their degrees without adding a financial burden.
What about the Canadian Education Centre?
The Canadian Education Centre in New Delhi has a ‘drop-in’ facility for student counselling. From time to time, it also organises fairs.
