The Embassy of Nepal in Ottawa has advised Nepali students planning to study in Canada to exercise caution and thoroughly prepare before embarking on their educational journey. 

The embassy’s advisory comes at a time when international students in Canada are facing unprecedented hardships due to a lack of jobs and rising accommodation prices. The Nepali mission has advised students to carefully study the notice that the embassy published in the last week of April. “Prospective students are advised to conduct thorough research about their chosen college, field of study, associated costs, and the city where the institution is located. Don’t rely on unrealistic, insufficient, or exaggerated promotional materials, as this may lead to various problems upon arrival,” the advisory reads.

The embassy has advised students to gather information from relatives, friends, senior or former students, social media networks and Nepali diaspora organizations in the relevant cities before departing for Canada. This, according to the embassy, will help students better understand the local environment, education system, expenses, housing availability and employment prospects.

The Nepali mission has also advised parents to make adequate arrangements for their children’s tuition, accommodation and living expenses before sending them off to Canada. It added that the misconception that employment can be easily secured immediately upon arrival has landed many students in trouble.

Stating that there is increasing pressure on student housing and employment opportunities across Canada due to a growing number of international students, the embassy has advised students to secure accommodation before arrival and warned against making advance payments based solely on social media advertisements.

The embassy has advised students to be prepared for extreme cold during the winter months and gather information about the local climate beforehand. “Students also need to familiarize themselves with local customs and practices related to daily life in Canada to ease their transition,” it added.

Furthermore, the embassy has emphasized the importance of being well-informed about the quality and credibility of educational institutions before paying tuition fees. Students are also advised to verify landlord information before making any rental payments to avoid falling victim to scams, it added.

Canada has decided to reduce the intake of international students by 35 percent for two years starting September to address pressure on its housing and health sector. It is also discontinuing work permits for undergraduate students enrolled in private-public partnership colleges starting September.

“Students should be aware of their rights and seek legal recourse if they face labor exploitation, abuse, or fraud in the workplace,” it added.

Canada had 1.04m international students in 2023, according to the Canadian Bureau of International Education. Nepalis accounted for two percent of the community that year, according to the Bureau. The number of Nepali students grew by a whopping 166 percent in 2023 compared to 2022.