International Education: A Government-Endorsed Scam Targeting Indian Students
by - PACE
International Student Exploitation
The dream of studying abroad has drawn thousands of Indian students to countries like Canada and the UK, but behind this dream lies a disturbing reality. These governments have crafted a system that preys on the aspirations of young students, trapping them in a cycle of debt, poverty, and broken promises. With sky-high tuition fees, worthless diplomas, and immigration hurdles, Indian students are being scammed by foreign governments who care more about filling their coffers than supporting the students they lure in.
Exorbitant Fees: Governments Exploit Indian Students
Governments in countries like Canada and the UK have turned international students into cash cows, extracting billions of dollars from them every year. In 2023 alone, over 230,000 Indian students were enrolled in Canadian institutions, contributing to the CAD 22 billion that international students bring into Canada's economy annually. In the UK, 126,535 Indian students helped fuel a £29.3 billion industry. The Indian students, many of whom come from middle-class families, are paying tuition fees that range from CAD 20,000 to CAD 40,000 in Canada and £15,000 to £35,000 in the UK.
This isn't just about education—it's about governments exploiting students for profit. These countries deliberately charge international students outrageous fees, far higher than domestic students, knowing full well that many of these students won't even see a return on their investment.
Useless Diplomas: Governments Allow Diploma Mills to Flourish
A significant portion of Indian students end up in short-term diploma programs offered by low-tier colleges—programs that these governments allow to operate freely. These diploma mills charge exorbitant fees for qualifications that hold little value in the global job market. Indian students are sold on the idea that these diplomas will lead to well-paying jobs and permanent residency, but the reality is quite different.
Foreign governments know these diplomas are virtually worthless. They know these students are being set up to fail, yet they continue to allow these institutions to operate, raking in billions while students leave with nothing but useless degrees and crushing debt.
The Employment Trap: Government Policies Keep Students in Poverty
Even those who manage to graduate are stuck in a brutal cycle of poverty, thanks to government policies that make it nearly impossible for international students to thrive. In Canada, only 26% of international students manage to secure full-time jobs within the first year of graduation. In the UK, that figure drops to a mere 20%. Even those lucky enough to find jobs earn far below what's needed to cover their living expenses, let alone pay off their massive education loans.
Governments claim to offer opportunities for international students, but their policies are designed to do the opposite. Instead of creating pathways to well-paying jobs, they force students into low-wage work in industries like retail or hospitality—positions that don't even require a diploma, let alone a costly international education.
Hunger and Homelessness: A Direct Result of Government Negligence
The Canadian and UK governments are fully aware that their international students are suffering. Reports show that over 50% of international students in both countries experience food insecurity, with many Indian students unable to afford basic necessities. Some students are even forced to sleep in libraries, cars, or shared basements because they can't afford rent. In fact, 34% of international students in Canada live below the poverty line, and a large percentage rely on food banks just to survive.
This is not an accident—it's a result of deliberate government negligence. These governments know that the system is pushing students into poverty, yet they continue to profit off their misery.
Immigration: Governments Create a False Promise
Immigration is the carrot these governments dangle in front of Indian students to justify the high costs极 of studying abroad. The promise of a work visa or permanent residency lures students in, but once they've paid their fees, the real nightmare begins. Canadian and UK governments frequently change immigration policies, making it harder for students to transition from study visas to work permits or permanent residency. In Canada, while 60% of international students apply for permanent residency, a large percentage are rejected due to restrictive immigration laws and changing policies.
Governments Must Be Held Accountable for This Exploitation
This isn't just a failing of the education system—it's a calculated government scheme designed to exploit Indian students. Governments in Canada and the UK are knowingly scamming students by allowing diploma mills to flourish, setting unachievable immigration goals, and creating policies that trap students in poverty. The billions they collect in tuition fees, housing costs, and other expenses come at the direct expense of students' well-being and future.
Unless these governments make serious changes to how they treat international students—by lowering fees, cracking down on diploma mills, and creating fair immigration pathways—Indian students will continue to be the victims of a well-orchestrated scam. It's time to stop allowing governments to profit off the dreams of students while giving them nothing in return.