International Student Sues University of Calgary for $500,000

An international graduate student is taking legal action against the University of Calgary, claiming an academic procedural failure that has jeopardized his immigration status and caused significant stress. Enes Etlik, a recent graduate from the Faculty of Law, is seeking $500,000 in compensation for tuition, lost professional opportunities, reputational harm, and delays in his graduation.

Etlik’s lawsuit was filed on September 15, 2023, in the Court of King’s Bench in Calgary. He argues that the university breached its contract by failing to comply with its academic calendar, which mandates that spring and summer courses be completed by an August 30 deadline. The lawsuit also alleges breaches of procedural fairness, privacy, negligent administration, and intimidation.

The legal action stems from Etlik’s enrollment in the University of Calgary’s Foreign Trained Lawyers Program, a one-year certification course designed for internationally trained lawyers seeking accreditation to practice law in Canada. Etlik, who is originally from Turkey and holds Belgian citizenship, explained, “This program is for international lawyers. I’m a lawyer in Turkey, and I came to Canada to become a Canadian lawyer. This one-year program helps international lawyers to become accredited lawyers in Canada.”

To complete the program, students must pass six courses. Etlik successfully completed five but failed his final exam in administrative law. According to his claims, the university did not provide him with a supplemental exam within the timeline outlined in the academic calendar. This oversight led to missed deadlines for applying for articling positions and a Post-Graduation Work Permit, which are crucial for his career in Canada.

“Despite this published deadline, the defendant failed to provide the plaintiff with a fixed date or clear procedure for the supplemental exam,” the statement of claim details. “The defendant later admitted that supplemental and reappraisal exams were handled outside the academic calendar, although no such exception was ever disclosed to students.”

Etlik’s claims highlight a broader issue regarding the treatment of international students and the importance of adhering to academic deadlines. He expressed concern about the implications of the university’s actions on his professional future, stating that the situation has effectively put an end to his ability to work or complete the licensing process necessary to practice law in Canada.

The legal proceedings underscore the pressures faced by international students in navigating complex educational systems while facing stringent immigration requirements. As Etlik seeks justice and compensation, the outcome of this case may have wider implications for the rights and protections of international students at Canadian universities moving forward.