Introduction
Canada’s international education sector is booming, but the growth hides a harsh reality. Over one million international students call Canada home, yet many face unaffordable housing, crushing debt, exploitative work, and social isolation. A majority come from modest-income families—especially from India’s Punjab region—arriving with high hopes but encountering systemic barriers. This article examines the evidence, from survey data to lived experiences, and outlines reforms needed to protect students and Canada’s reputation.
Canada has built a strong reputation as a destination for quality education, welcoming students from around the world. International students not only diversify campuses but also contribute billions to the economy. Yet behind the glossy marketing lies a web of challenges. For many, particularly Indian students, the journey is less about global learning and more about survival in an unfamiliar, costly, and often unwelcoming environment.
Housing & Affordability Challenges
Finding a place to live is often the first—and toughest—test. According to a Thompson Rivers University survey, 55% of international students struggle to secure housing, with some facing overt discrimination from landlords. In major hubs like Vancouver and Toronto, vacancy rates are below 1%, and rental prices rank among the highest globally. Overcrowding is common, with nearly 20% living in cramped shared suites to make rent affordable.
The lack of campus housing means most rely on private rentals, where international status can be used against them. Some have faced threats to their student visas when disputes arise.
Financial Pressures & Exploitation
Tuition fees for international students are, on average, four to five times higher than for domestic students. In Ontario, annual undergraduate fees can exceed $38,000, and that’s before living expenses. Many families in Punjab take loans or sell property to finance this dream, expecting their children to work part-time to cover the rest.
But reality hits fast. The 20-hour work limit during semesters leaves many taking cash-paid jobs that violate permit conditions. This makes them easy targets for exploitation—employers paying below minimum wage or demanding payment for job offers through fraudulent LMIA arrangements, sometimes costing up to $50,000.
Mental Health & Social Isolation
The financial burden, academic stress, and cultural isolation have a deep impact on mental well-being. Surveys show 63% report poor well-being, with over a third meeting criteria for major depressive disorder. Cases of suicide have become alarmingly frequent, echoing similar patterns seen in Australia a decade ago.
Students often hesitate to seek help due to stigma, lack of culturally appropriate services, or fear of jeopardizing their immigration status.
Gendered Vulnerabilities
Female international students face a heightened risk of sexual harassment and abuse. Perpetrators—often employers or landlords—leverage economic dependency and immigration vulnerability to exploit students. Cultural stigma compounds the problem, discouraging victims from reporting incidents or pursuing legal action.
Policy Landscape & Immigration Caps
Canada’s recent decision to cap study permits for two years—reducing undergraduate admissions by 35% in 2024 and another 10% in 2025—is meant to ease housing and service pressures. But for current students, the uncertainty over work permits and permanent residency pathways adds to the stress.
Public opinion has also shifted: 58% of Canadians now believe the country accepts too many immigrants, a sentiment that shapes political will and policy direction.
Recommendations & Path Forward
Research and advocacy groups recommend:
A comprehensive federal review of the International Student Program to address fraud, housing shortages, and job market misalignment.
Regulation and reduction of tuition fees to match international standards.
Increased funding for settlement services, including housing support, legal aid, and culturally aware mental health programs.
Conclusion
International students bring ambition, cultural richness, and significant economic value to Canada. Yet too many are caught in a cycle of debt, overwork, and vulnerability. Addressing these issues is not just a matter of policy—it’s about safeguarding human dignity and ensuring Canada’s reputation as a welcoming, fair society.
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for more in-depth coverage on immigration, education, and the stories shaping Canada’s future.
