Canada Welcomes Record-Breaking Numbers of International Students
The number of study permits has increased in recent years, which is a good sign for students considering coming to Canada to study. In 2022, 107,145 more study permits were awarded than in the previous year.
This has raised the overall number of overseas students in Canada. As of the end of 2023, there were 807,750 international students with valid study permits, another record high.
International students arrived from 184 nations around the world. In 2023, the top three countries of origin for students in Canada were India (226,450), China (52,165), and the Philippines (23,380).
The top ten countries of origin for new international students coming to Canada in 2024 were:
- India (226,450 students);
- China (52,165 students);
- Philippines (23,380 students);
- France (16,725 students)
- Nigeria (16,195 students);
- Iran (13,525 students);
- Republic of Korea (11,535 students);
- Japan (10,955 students);
- Mexico (10,405 students); and
- Brazil (10,405 students).
Canada Is a Top Study Destination for Many International Students
Canada has a lot to offer international students, which puts it at the top of many international student rankings. It’s no surprise that half a million students decided to study in Canada last year, given the outstanding quality of education and the abundance of chances after graduation.
1. High-quality education.
Canada has several world-class institutions and colleges, including the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia.
These universities provide a wide range of degrees in subjects such as engineering, medicine, and business, and their academic standards are internationally recognized. Such great programs draw students from all across the world.
2. Cost
Higher education is more economical in Canada than in other comparable countries, such as the United States or the United Kingdom. The cost of programs varies; however, the average undergraduate program in Canada costs between $20,000 and $40,000 (CAD).
Canada also provides numerous financial aid options for international students, which is frequently more difficult in countries such as the United States.
3. Ample post-graduate opportunities
If you want to live in Canada permanently, studying here is frequently the ideal first step. Canada’s Post Graduation Work Program is intended to provide an expedient pathway for international students in Canada to obtain permanent residence in the country.
By combining Canadian schooling with substantial full-time job experience in the country, a candidate is well-positioned to apply under the Canadian Express Entry immigration system.
Having a Canadian school degree and job experience increases an Express Entry applicant’s complete ranking system (CRS) score, making them more competitive with other applicants for permanent resident status!
Provincial nominee programs (PNPs), commonly known as the Quebec Experience Class program if you studied in Quebec, are another type of immigration category that favors candidates with a Canadian education and work experience.
Canada Plans to Welcome the Highest-Ever Number of Newcomers in the Coming Years
Critical labor market shortages have prompted many people to see immigration as a solution. The revised Immigration Plan for 2023-2025 recognizes immigration as a method for firms to locate labor.
It also seeks to attract the skills needed to fill essential positions in health care, skilled crafts, manufacturing, and technology. This will help Canada manage the social and economic issues it will face in the next few decades.
Over the next three years, Canada will welcome an increasing number of new immigrants each year. Canada intends to welcome 465,000 additional immigrants by 2023. By 2024, the goal will be 485,000 new immigrants.
It is expected to climb again to 500,000 additional immigrants by 2025.
The strategy also places a greater emphasis on luring newcomers to various parts of the country, including small towns and rural villages.
The new strategy also aspires to expand regional initiatives that meet specific local labor market requirements, such as the Provincial Nominee Program, the Atlantic Immigration Program, and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot.