Indian Students Face Worst Housing in Canada: StatsCan

Key Highlights:

• In the top ten municipalities with the highest number of international students, 25-63% resided in unsuitable housing.
• Suitable housing criteria require each adult to have their own bedroom unless they are part of a couple.
• The report emphasizes the need for policymakers and educational institutions to collaborate on ensuring suitable housing conditions for all students.

A report released by the Canadian Press on May 22, 2024, highlights that in 2021, Indian international students were more likely to live in unsuitable housing compared to their Canadian-born counterparts. In the top ten municipalities with the highest numbers of international students, between 25 and 63% of them resided in unsuitable housing. In contrast, the rate among Canadian-born students aged 18 to 24 was 13 to 45% points lower. According to the criteria for suitable Canada student housing, each adult should have a bedroom unless they are part of a couple.

As per the Canadian student housing news, the study utilized the most recent census data. It found that the country of origin significantly influenced the variation in Canada student housing suitability rates among international students across different municipalities. Indian students were notably more likely to live in unsuitable housing compared to students from other countries. In Brampton, Ontario, and Surrey, British Columbia, where the highest proportions of Indian students reside, over 60% of international students were living in unsuitable housing. By comparison, only 16.6% of Canadian-born students in Surrey were in similar unsuitable housing, which highlights the Canadian student housing news.

Since the data was collected, the number of international students has continued to rise. In 2023, Canada hosted over one million international students, marking a 29% increase from the previous year. This sharp increase has raised concerns about the added pressure on the Canada student housing market and the affordability challenges faced by students. 

In response to the surge in international student numbers, the federal government announced earlier this year a two-year cap on study permits to curb enrolments. 

The findings from the Statistics Canada report underscore the pressing need to address the housing challenges faced by international students in Canada. With the number of students continuing to rise, it is crucial for policymakers and educational institutions to work together to ensure suitable housing conditions for all students. For more such updates, do follow amber news.