3 Colleges In Canada Shut Down. Indian High Commission Issues Advisory For Students For Reimbursement Of Fees

The advisory further stated that the students should "demand a certificate of recognition by the Canadian/provincial government" from the college before taking admission. 

Protesting Indian students in Canada's Quebec | Image: IANS

Three colleges in Canada's Quebec province were abruptly shut down this month. M College in Montreal, CDE College in Sherbrooke, and CCSQ College in Longueuil had asked for hefty tuition fees before shutting down.

The Indian students who had enrolled in these colleges find themselves in a spot of bother. Several of these students approached the Indian High Commission in Canada. The High Commission issued an advisory stating that the students "may file a complaint with Ministry of Higher Education, Government of Quebec". The advisory further stated that the students should "demand a certificate of recognition by the Canadian/provincial government" from the college before taking admission. 

The High Commission has also noted that they are in "close contact" with the elected Canadian representatives from the Indian community to provide support to the affected students, ANI reported. 

Indian high commission issues advisory for students affected by closure of three institutions in Canada

Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/TVyGdhRe5z#canadaprotests pic.twitter.com/PMIRssiTcH

— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) February 19, 2022

"The provincial government of Quebec has advised that the affected students may directly contact the institutions where they are registered, and in the event that they find any difficulty in reimbursement of their fees or transfer of fees, they may file a complaint with Ministry of Higher Education, Government of Quebec," he advisory said.

The Advisory by Indian High Commission In Canada Noted The Following Points

• "Students from India planning higher studies in Canada are again advised to make thorough checks of the credentials and standing of the institution where they are seeking admission before making any payment to such institutions."
• "Please demand a certificate of recognition by the Canadian/provincial government from the institutions and verify the institution selected is included in the list of designated learning institutions published on 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 three colleges - M College in Montreal, CDE College in Sherbrooke, and CCSQ College in Longueuil - had more than 700 Indian students as per a report in Immigration News Canada.

Students have been protesting for the past week:

Solidarity protest in Brampton yesterday to demand justice for the 2,000+ international students left in crisis since 3 private colleges (CCSQ, M College, CDE) & a connected recruiting firm in Montreal declared bankruptcy. Thanks to all who joined us! #LuttBandKaro pic.twitter.com/gNAdEKJV1F

— Naujawan Support Network (@NSNPeel) February 14, 2022

The three colleges involved were run by the same recruiting firm, Rising Phoenix International (RPI) Inc as per a report in Canada's CBC News. This firm has filed for bankuptcy. 

Rising Phoenix International (RPI) Inc is also accused of a "questionable" recruiting process for students in India.