Canadian varsities woo Indian students

Are you a meritorious student but still could not secure admission in a premier educational institution in India? If you are one of those who hate to compromise on the quality of the institution you study in, then Canada beacons you with attractive bachelor and masters programmes.

“All universities in Canada are funded by Canadian government and hence the government pays particular attention in maintaining the standards through periodic verifications. For this reason Canada can boast of a number of world-class universities,” Executive Director, Centre for Executive and Professional Education, University of Windsor, Ram Balachandar said.

“Considered as Canada's Automotive University, University of Windsor offers excellent programmes in mechanical and automotive engineering at both Bachelors and Post Graduate levels,” he said.

He was representing University of Windsor in a Canadian Education Fair conducted by Canadian University Application Centre (CUAC), in association with The Hindu Education Plus, here on Sunday.

Six universities along with Sault College participated in the fair and more than 500 students availed the opportunity to interact with the counsellors.

“Counselling sessions were very helpful. I wanted to join an undergraduate programmes in animation at Sheridan College, but was advised to I take up a general graduation course at a good Canadian University first. This sort of counselling will not be available when we source information from internet,” P. Dhruva, a student, said. But what about the cost of studying in Canada? “Though programmes in Canada seem costlier, when the quality of education and the respect that a Canadian degree commands in international markets, are considered the course will look affordable,” Director, International Outreach at CUAC, Mel Broitman said.

Many parents seem to share this sentiment. Evon Maria, whose children are studying their Bachelor programmes in Windsor University, concurs with Mr. Broitman.

“Though my kids are in Canada for just two months now they are much better than what they were here. The personality development, gaining of soft skills and international exposure are unmatched,” she said.

Cost factor apart, the value addition that an international degree can give to a person is tremendous, she said. Ms. Maria was accompanying a family friend to the fair. Anita Badrinath, another parent, whose wards studied in Canada, too holds the same view. “My children obtained their Bachelor Degree in Canada this year and they are already placed. I think that the cost that we had to bear is quite justified,” she said.

Since Canadian government recognises the intermediate board certificate as equivalent to their high school certificates, any student with this qualification can study Bachelor degree in any Canadian University. But for studying Masters in Canada a student should have a bachelor degree with four yours of education. Some universities also offer decent scholarships.