Every year thousands of students take admission to various international universities. This new academic year for students started with a shock due to Covid-19. As a result, all universities, institutions, and colleges have closed their doors for all students, which results in self-study and online classes.
How to utilize your time effectively in this pandemic, you read our blog – Best advice for education during Covid-19. Online mode of communication is not just enough for students in order to complete their academic year in an attempt to catch up on the curriculum. One just can’t stop worrying about the added stress of part-time work availability and student loan affordability during the lockdown restrictions.
Canada is surely the best destination for overseas education, and it comes with no surprise that many students every year enroll in Canadian Universities. Studying in Canada and planning to get permanent residency is not only a dream for many migrants but also a real economic source for Canada’s well-being. It is estimated that around $20 billion is earned by educational immigration which constitutes a major part of Canada’s economy.
They realized that foreign students and their protection are a significant part of their economy and taking measures to safeguard the interest and wellbeing of their citizens and migrants also. In the terrifying situation of Covid-19, the Canadian Government is standing a strong pillar for its citizens and ensuring that their people are not helpless. Canada realizes that foreign students and their protection are a significant part of their economy.
Canada has designed the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) to show how much the country cares and supports its students. It is designed to create 116,000 jobs for the students to support them financially who are paying their education loans and who are unable to work currently.
Not only has this but Canada has come forward with various measures to help their students facing difficulties. Canada PM, Justin Trudeau, introduced as $82 Billion Economic Response Plan at the starting of May 2020 to help people being affected by Covid-19. The CESB is part of the Economic Response Plan to help students in Canada who rely on part-time work to fund their education.
In this blog, we will look at 7 ways of Canada helping their students for a bright future. Canada has come with its own measures of supporting present students and future students to show that -Why Canada is the number one study destination for international students.
1.Regular wages
The CSEB plan of Canada will provide regular monthly wages to those students who are not eligible for employment insurance or are unable to work in this situation due to some reasons. The CSEB community will provide $1250 per month for eligible students and $2000 per month for those with disabilities and dependents.
2.Receive up to $5000 for education
The Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG) will contribute up to $5000 towards your tuition fees. But before receiving it, one needs to be 30 years or younger, a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or student with refugee status. You can only qualify once you take part in this program by helping out people within their communities during Covid-19.
The amount will vary in the number of hours each will work, $1000 provided for 100 hours up to a maximum of $5000 for 500 hours. It is a great initiative as it will help out in two ways – First, students will gain work experience and skills; and second, it will create a positive impact by helping out people in their communities.
3.Changes in Canada Student Loan program
Changes have made to Student Grants and Loans for students facing financial challenges from Covid-19 to access and afford their education. Also, it is now a bit easier for students to apply for student loans in Canada to study. The Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) has lowered its eligibility requirements to allow more students to qualify for loan amounts. In demand to increase the need for the upcoming semester, the maximum amount for grants has been doubled and much easier. The full-time grant has increased up to $6000 and part-time up to $3,600.
4. Part-time work hours increased for international students
The most important source of earning some extra bucks for international students was by doing a part-time job while studying. But earlier, international students in Canada was restricted to work only for 20 hours per week during session time. But now, if the student is working in any of the 10 priority sectors that are involved in fighting against Covid-19, then his/her time management is increased, which also results in earning some extra money. This privilege is only allowed until August 31, 2020. The special 10 sectors are:
- Information and Communication Technologies
- Energy and utilities
- Health
- Finance
- Water
- Food
- Safety
- Transportation
- Manufacturing
- Government
5. Student Loan Repayments Suspended
Canada’s PM has announced that its people should not be worrying about paying bills or loans during the pandemic situation. For this reason, the Government of Canada has suspended students and apprentice loan repayments to all loan borrowers until September 30, 2020. They have implemented certain measures –
- No payments are required on student and apprentice loans during this time.
- Pre-authorized debits will be stopped
- No interest will occur on student and apprentice loans. Find more details on the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) and Canada Apprentice Loan Service Centre (CALSC).
6. Creating New Jobs and Opportunities
Canadian Government is now creating various jobs and opportunities for its citizens and migrants during Covid-19.
- For a bright future after you study in Canada – the government is giving the Student Work Placement Program worth $80 million to support 20,000+ students to find paid work in their field of study.
- Plans to study in Canada – $1537 will be provided to the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy to help youth to develop skills and experience.
- Extending time to submit migration applications – Due to obstacles coming because of Covid-19, the incomplete application will not be rejected and candidates will be given an additional 90 days to complete the formalities.
- Option to get PR in Canada – Students who are studying for a while in Canada have a shot at acquiring a permanent residence in the country. They should be possessing high education level courses, proficiency in English or French, and should have experience in Canada’s living environment.
7. Mental Health Support for Youth
Last but not the least, students who are coping with difficult times in this quarantine time because of Covid-19, can receive mental health support in Canada. Many students, who cannot go back to their homes due to some issues, maybe facing difficulties to survive in an unknown country all alone. The Canadian Government has funded $7.5 million towards mental health awareness to help ease stress, loneliness, and anxiety.
More information on the most recent updates for international students and other immigration applicants is available here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19.html
