Indian Students In A Fix After 3 Canadian Colleges Shut Abruptly, Advisory Issued: What We Know
Going abroad for higher studies and subsequently receiving permanent residency and citizenship there are high among the career goals of a large section of the Indian youth.
Over the years, Canada has become one of the most sought-after destinations for Indian students to pursue their careers abroad.
However, some recent developments in the country have left many students and their parents in India concerned.
Some 2,000 Indian students have been left in the lurch after three institutions -- M College in Montreal, CDE College in Sherbrooke, and CCSQ College in Longueuil, announced that they are shutting down.
All three institutions are run by Rising Phoenix International Inc. and they have filed for bankruptcy citing financial troubles due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is after collecting millions of dollars from the students in the name of tuition fees.
Just before the announcement, the colleges had asked the students to deposit outstanding fees ranging from Rs 9 lakh to Rs 17.70 lakh.
Students left in the lurch
The students have now been left with an uncertain future.
Taking into account the developments in the country, the Indian high commission in Ottawa has issued an advisory for Indian students who have been affected.
"The High Commission has been approached by several students from India who were enrolled in the three institutions run by Rising Phoenix International Inc, namely, M College H Montreal, CED College in Sherbrooke and CCSQ College in Longueuil, all in the province of Quebec, Canada, and who have been affected by the notice of closure of these institutions," the advisory said on Friday.
It also noted that the High Commission has been in close contact with the federal government of Canada, the provincial government of Quebec province as well as elected Canadian representatives from the Indian community to provide support to the affected students and for the resolution of this issue.
The Indian high commission said that if the students find any difficulty in reimbursement of their fees or transfer of fees, they may file a complaint with the Ministry of Higher Education, Government of Quebec.
"The provincial government of Quebec has advised that the affected students may directly contact the institutions where they are registered, and in the event that they find any difficulty in reimbursement of their fees or transfer of fees, they may file a complaint with Ministry of Higher Education, Government of Quebec," it said.
"Students from India planning higher studies in Canada are again advised to make thorough checks of the credentials and standing of the institution where they are seeking admission before making any payment to such institutions. Please demand a certificate of recognition by the Canadian/provincial government from the institutions and verify the institution selected is included in the list of designated learning institutions published on the Government of Canada website. Students should not make any payments or reveal their personal information to any unverified person/ institution offering students visa on payment," the advisory added.
The advisory also said that students from India in Canada or those planning to travel to Canada are advised to register online with their nearest Indian Mission or Post on the MADAD portal.
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