Indian High Commission in Ottawa asks students to get in touch with it for any assistance
The Canadian Bazaar
TORONTO: With over 2,000 Indian students facing an uncertain future after the closure of three private colleges in Montreal in January, the Indian High Commission in Ottawa has taken up their cause with the Canadian authorities.
The three colleges – CCSQ College, M College, and CDE Colleges – had collected millions of dollars in tuition fees from these students before closing by filing for bankruptcy.
In a statement, the Indian High Commission said it is “in close contact with the federal government of Canada, the provincial government of Quebec as well as elected Canadian representatives from the Indian community to provide support to the affected students and the resolution of the issue.”
The statement said the Quebec government has advised the Indian students to directly contact their colleges for reimbursement or transfer of their fees.
If the students find any difficulties in getting their fees reimbursed or transferred to other colleges, then they should file a complaint with Quebec’s Ministry of Higher Education at www.quebec.ca/en/government/ministere/education/contact-information-for-the-ministry/complaints.
The Indian mission’s statement further said that it has been informed that the Canadian authorities are providing a grace period to the students enrolled in the three colleges to seek admission to alternative institutes.
“Should they require any immediate assistance, students from India, currently in Canada, affected by the closure of three aforementioned colleges, may approach the Education Wing of the High Commission of India in Ottawa (by emailing to inf.ottawa@mea.gov.in) or the Consulate General of India in Toronto (by emailing at com.toronto@mea.gov.in).”
To avoid such incidents in the future, the Indian High Commission has cautioned that those seeking admission in Canadian educational institutions must thoroughly check the credentials of the institutions before making payments to them.
“Please demand certificate of recognition by Canadian/provincial government from the institutions and verify that the institution selected is included in the list of designated learning institutions published by the Government of Canada website. Students should not make any payments or reveal their personal information to any unverified person/institution offering students visa on payment.”
The Indian High Commission has also advised students from India to register online with their nearest Indian Mission or post on the MADAD portal at www.madad.gov.in to enable dissemination of information and coordination during a disaster, emergency or other crises.”
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