After Canada announced a two-year student visa cap, UAE-based school students and their parents have already started exploring university options in other countries.
Education consultants have also started giving alternate solutions to students who want to study abroad. Eastern European countries are fasting catching the attention of parents whose children are graduating high school from UAE this year and applying for university studies abroad. Germany is also a destination on the radar with parents as it promises future for students after their undergraduate programme with job opportunities, permanent residence and citizenship, said industry experts and parents living in the UAE.
Expensive vs affordable options
Dr Mohammed Yousuf Qadri, CEO of Qadri International Educational Consultancy in Dubai, said: “There is no dearth of higher education options for UAE students. For those who can afford an expensive education, the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand top on the list. Those looking at affordable options for university studies are looking at Eastern European countries such as Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic. Italy and Spain are good choices as well but language is an issue as most courses are not in English.”
Canada student visa cap
Dr Qadri’s comments came against the backdrop of Canada announcing a two-year cap on new international student permits after a massive growth in recent years created housing shortage. Canada on Monday announced an immediate, two-year cap on international student permits and said it would also stop giving work permits to some students after graduation as it seeks to rein in record numbers of newcomers seen aggravating a housing crisis. The cap is expected to result in approximately 360,000 approved study permits in 2024, a decrease of 35% from 2023, according to a statement from the immigration ministry.
“In Western Europe, Germany is an attractive option as there is a greater likelihood of students graduating from Germany and finding jobs. The offer of permanent residence and citizenship makes it all the more a viable option,” said Dr Qadri, whose company has helped more than 70,000 students from UAE get admissions abroad since it was set up in 1986.
Qadri said parents with higher affordability can undoubtedly do explore options for universities in UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand if they feel Canada is not an option for them anymore.