In an exclusive interview with NDTV on Friday, prominent education consultant Viral Doshi expressed his belief that Canada will remain a favored destination for Indian students despite the recent India-Canada diplomatic tensions. Doshi also discussed the emergence of the UK as a top choice for Indian students and his encouragement for students to return to India, emphasizing the country’s vibrancy.
Doshi highlighted several key factors that have contributed to Canada’s popularity among Indian students over the years, including its welcoming and friendly atmosphere, abundant research and extracurricular opportunities, excellent job prospects, and the allure of obtaining permanent residency. While acknowledging concerns stemming from the recent political fallout, Doshi remained optimistic about the future of Indian student applications to Canada.
Doshi noted that many students and parents currently harbor concerns about visa processing times, the reception of Indian students in Canada, and post-education job opportunities. Despite these apprehensions, Doshi believed that applications would persist, albeit with a potential minor decrease, and applicants would adopt a wait-and-see approach.
He emphasized the reassuring role played by Canadian universities, which have actively communicated with students and parents to allay fears and encourage applications. Doshi was confident that these efforts would help maintain the appeal of Canada as a study destination.
When asked about alternatives to Canada, Doshi acknowledged the popularity of the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia among Indian students. He pointed out that a majority of students choose one of these three countries for their higher education, while a smaller percentage opt for Australia, Europe, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Dubai.
While Europe is gaining some traction, particularly in the Netherlands, France, and Germany for technical education, Doshi emphasized that these countries haven’t experienced the same exponential growth as the primary destinations. He highlighted the challenges of language barriers and limited networking opportunities in European colleges.
Doshi stressed that the UK is emerging as a robust alternative for Indian students, driven by its competitive cost, shorter program durations, and improved job placement opportunities due to favorable visa policies. In the US, education costs in private colleges are a concern, but admissions are still expected to increase as students seek diverse options. Singapore, on the other hand, offers a limited selection of colleges, with Singapore Management University, National University of Singapore, and Nanyang Technological University as the main choices.
In light of the India-Canada diplomatic tensions, there have been concerns regarding the prospects for Indian students already studying in Canada and their future job opportunities. Viral Doshi, a prominent educational consultant, shared insights on this matter.
Doshi acknowledged the concerns among Indian students and their families but expressed his belief that the political fallout would not significantly impact employment in Canada. He emphasized that Canadian employers value Indian students for their hard work and academic excellence, making them attractive candidates for various companies. Doshi reassured that the political situation would not be a decisive factor in job placements and that Canadians are known for their welcoming and fair approach.
When asked if students in Canada should explore job opportunities in other countries after completing their studies, Doshi pointed out the challenges related to visas and suggested that returning to India could be a favorable choice. He highlighted India as a vibrant and dynamic place for career growth and encouraged students to consider working in India. For those aspiring to return to Canada, he advised gaining work experience in India before pursuing post-graduate studies in Canada, anticipating improved circumstances in the future.
Doshi emphasized that Indian educational institutions have matured and now offer high-quality education, making graduates from prestigious Indian colleges competitive in the job market. He noted that recruiters in India often prefer candidates with Indian education due to their adaptability and suitability for the Indian work environment. He encouraged students to pursue overseas education primarily for the educational experience and holistic development it offers, rather than expecting a distinct advantage in the Indian job market.
In closing, Doshi advised students to keep their options open when applying for colleges abroad. He recommended applying to multiple countries and making decisions in April or May of the following year when the situation is expected to improve, ensuring a balanced approach to their international education plans.
