Many Canadian colleges function like “visa factories” Private and public-private colleges rely heavily on Indian intakes with limited academic rigor.

 

“Many Canadian colleges function like visa factories” — Why this criticism exists

🔹 1. Business model over education

A large number of private and public-private partnership (PPP) colleges in Canada depend overwhelmingly on international student fees to survive.

• Domestic enrolment is low

• Government funding is limited

• International fees are 3–5x higher than local fees

👉 Result: students become revenue units, not learners

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🔹 2. Over-dependence on Indian students

In many such colleges:

• 60–90% of students are from India

• Entire intakes are designed around one market

• Courses are marketed as “PR-friendly” rather than “career-relevant”

This creates:

• Minimal classroom diversity

• English instruction diluted to the lowest common denominator

• Little pressure to maintain global academic standards

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🔹 3. Low academic rigor & soft assessment

Common complaints from students and employers:

• Open-book exams

• Group assignments with minimal evaluation

• High pass rates regardless of performance

• Little faculty accountability

Graduation becomes procedural, not merit-based.

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🔹 4. Programs created for migration optics, not labor demand

Many diploma programs:

• Are not aligned with real Canadian skill shortages

• Exist mainly because they qualify for study permits and work rights

• Do not significantly improve employability beyond survival jobs

Hence:

Students work in retail, warehouses, food delivery—even after graduating.

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🔹 5. Colleges benefit even if students fail later

If a student:

• Doesn’t get a skilled job

• Doesn’t qualify for PR

• Faces policy changes mid-course

The college still:
✔️ Collected full fees
✔️ Met enrolment targets
✔️ Faces no accountability

The risk is entirely on the student.