A recent report has highlighted ongoing disparities in visa approval rates for African students. Despite Canada being the most preferred study-abroad destination from 2018 to 2023. African students have faced significant challenges, with an acceptance rate of less than 50% for study permits. In contrast, the acceptance rate for students from the rest of the world has consistently been above 75%.
Further, Francophone students from Africa have been particularly hard-hit, with approval rates at a mere 22%. The report notes that the Student Direct Stream (SDS) has been a boon for Indian students, offering a 92% acceptance rate for postgraduate study permits, compared to just 46% for those not utilising SDS. African students, on average, saw an acceptance rate of 47% in 2023, but no specific figures were provided for those participating in SDS. It’s noteworthy that the non-SDS approval rate for Indian students is similar to the overall approval rate for African students, who, unfortunately, cannot fully benefit from SDS or similar streamlined programmes.
The data reveals that students from Central Africa fared the worst, with study permit acceptance rates below 30% for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies in 2023. Other African regions had acceptance rates between 40-50%. In contrast, students from Northern Africa managed to achieve higher study permit approval rates. However, students from other parts of Africa continued to languish behind, with approval rates significantly lower compared to other international applicants.
West Africa, including key countries like Nigeria, saw the second-lowest acceptance rate for undergraduate studies, at around 30%. Surprisingly, for postgraduate studies, this region had the third-highest acceptance rate at around 45%. This discrepancy highlights the complex and varied challenges faced by African students at different levels of their academic pursuits.
Overall, the report underscores the persistent and significant barriers that African students encounter in securing study permits, despite Canada’s reputation as a welcoming destination for international students. Addressing these disparities is crucial to ensuring equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their origin.
