Canada Ends the SDS and NSE Programs – What’s Next for International Students?

As of 2:00 p.m. ET on November 8, 2024, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) programs have officially ended. The SDS program had previously supported eligible students from countries like Vietnam, China, India, and others, while NSE was specifically tailored for students from Nigeria.

Canada has made the decision to end these programs to promote fairness and transparency in the study permit application process and to help reduce risks faced by international students. Applications that meet eligibility requirements and were submitted before the deadline will still be processed under the SDS and NSE programs.

From this point forward, all students will need to apply through the regular study permit stream. Canada continues to welcome international students from all over the world and will still accept Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) as proof of financial support.

Canada values international students highly and remains committed to supporting them. While this change may bring a sense of loss, let’s keep a positive outlook and stay hopeful about the journey ahead!