Over 55% international students face difficulties finding accommodations in Canada amid rising racism

For a long time, studying abroad has been an intriguing aspiration for many students. Each year, lakhs of Indians travel to foreign countries for higher education. Canada is a major destination for students, hosting the highest number of Indian students and being home to lakhs of Indians living abroad.

According to a recent survey conducted by Thompson Rivers University (TRU) over 55 % of international students face challenges in finding accommodation in Canada. These difficulties arise due to either the high cost of living or racial discrimination.

Even though international students contribute majorly to Canada’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and serve in the workforce, they continue to face these challenges.

The survey indicates that in recent years, because of changes in immigration policies and several other factors, the problems of accommodation have risen, which was further supported by putting a cap on international students' permits.

In 2024, Canada has reduced undergraduate admissions by 35 % in 2024 and 10 % for the year 2025 amid the growing domestic backlash. Canada is facing the worst-ever workforce crisis, especially in the health sector.

Recently, Ontario's Walkerton municipality saw hundreds of people lining up outside a Canadian Legion office with only 500 patient slots opened by the new physician in town.

More than 25 lakh people in Ontario are currently without a family doctor. This issue highlights the problems for international students with no accommodation and health facilities because of which they are in complete ruin.

Several of the instances also depicted the structured racism in parts of Canada where foul language and intentional commenting have now become common.

Despite the factors contributing to affecting the lives of international students, Canada's government is not lending a helping hand, making the situation worse and leaving the future uncertain.

Discrimination in housing

The survey is part of a long-term study led by TRU. A student carrying a international visa shared a troubling incident where their landlord threatened to cancel their student visa when they tried to renegotiate their lease due to roommate issues.

In 2016, when asked about racism questions, 14 percent strongly agreed with facing racism in university while 21 % only agreed and 25 % disagreed. The number remains the same during the 2024 study as well.

During the interviews by TRU, many of the students commented upon encountering racism and exploitation when job hunting or searching for housing accommodation.

The survey also reveals the deteriorating financial conditions of students. Nearly a third of international students in the study expressed concerns about their financial situations. Students mentioned that increasing rents and high living costs are making it difficult for them.

The TRU study shows that universities need to work proactively along with the government to address several challenges. In the recommendations, diversifying scholarship opportunities, especially for students from marginalised regions, and enhancing support programmes for international students.