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In late 2024, Canada made a bold move in international education policy: it closed the Student Direct Stream (SDS), a programme that had fast-tracked study permits for applicants from select countries including India, China, Brazil and Senegal. While this decision has raised concerns in some quarters, particularly in countries that previously benefited from the SDS, the overall impact promises to be a more diverse, equitable and inclusive admissions process for international students.
Historically, the SDS allowed eligible students to enjoy faster visa processing – study permits were often issued within 20 days – and provided clearly defined criteria for language proficiency, financial proof and tuition prepayment. These streamlined measures offered advantages not accessible to applicants from non-SDS countries, who had to navigate longer and sometimes costlier permit processes.
By unifying all international applicants under the same study permit system, Canada is levelling the playing field. The change means that approval rates and application requirements are now standardised, offering students from previously overlooked regions the same opportunity to study in Canada as those from nations that were included in the SDS. This shift is expected to enrich campus communities across the country.
There’s also a strong hope that dismantling structural inequalities in the application process will yield a more globally representative student population. Research indicates that multicultural learning environments foster stronger critical thinking skills, creativity and cultural awareness among students. Faculty, too, benefit from teaching in more dynamic, inclusive settings that reflect a global spectrum of thought and experience.
However, for countries that benefited from the SDS the adjustment may come with challenges. In 2023, Indian applicants had a 73 per cent approval rate through the SDS compared to just 10 per cent under the standard process. The stark contrast means that institutions and students in these regions will need to reevaluate how they approach the Canadian admissions pipeline. Universities may have to increase support and outreach efforts to keep these student demographics engaged.
The closure of the SDS coincides with the adoption of more flexible, accessible tools for verifying English proficiency, which was once a requirement under the SDS. Tests like the Duolingo English Test (DET) are now widely accepted across Canadian institutions. These alternatives are not only more affordable – the DET costs just $70 (£52) compared to over $200 (£150) for traditional tests – but also more convenient, being fully online and providing results in 48 hours. The removal of cost and location barriers could encourage applications from lower-income students and those in remote areas.
This democratisation of the application process reinforces Canada’s global image as a welcoming, inclusive destination for education. It opens the door for increased representation from a broader range of countries and socioeconomic backgrounds. Equity in admissions isn’t just about who gets in – it’s about who gets to try.
In an increasingly interconnected world, Canada’s move to end the SDS in favour of a unified admissions model sets a powerful precedent. It demonstrates a commitment to educational justice, one that could lead to more innovative classrooms, stronger international collaboration and richer learning for all.
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