Canada is currently a popular destination for international students. Over the past 10 years, the increase in international students in Canada has been a whopping 82%. Currently, there are approximately 78,000 international students enrolled in Canadian post-secondary institutions and that number is growing steadily each year.
A recent poll conducted by the Canadian Bureau for International Education found that over 65% of international students in Canada say they would recommend their program to others. And 72% said that they plan on staying in Canada after graduation, with most planning to remain in the country for at least two years post-graduation.
Attracting and retaining international students is vital for Canada's economy. These future leaders and innovators help to diversify the Canadian workforce, while also bringing new ideas and perspectives to communities across the land. So what makes Canada such a popular destination for international students?
1. Affordable Fees
Canada has affordable tuition fees compared to other industrialized countries. This allows more people from all over the world to afford an education in Canada. Also, tuition rates vary from province to province and can be pretty low per year for international students studying on the east coast.
2. Greater Chance for PR
Another reason international students choose to study in Canada is that they have a better chance of eventually getting permanent residency status once they graduate. More than 50% of international students who graduate from a program in Ontario are granted permanent residency.
Canada also has a streamlined immigration process which makes it easy for international students to transition from being a student to being a resident. There have been many changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act making it easier for international students studying in Canada to apply for permanent residency as well as faster processing times.
3. Equal Rights
In Canada, international students enjoy many of the same rights and privileges that domestic students do including access to student loans, scholarships, and bursaries. International students are covered by the Canada Health Act, which entitles all Canadians to publicly funded health care during their stay in Canada. And they are protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms as well as the Criminal Code of Canada.
4. Safety
International students also feel safe and welcomed in Canada. Most international students say that they feel like part of their university or college community and that their school is a second home to them.
5. Many Opportunities
Canadian schools offer a rich diversity of extracurricular activities, clubs, and associations that allow international students to integrate easily. Canada also has a strong network of over 90 alumni chapters in over 40 countries around the world which are always ready to welcome new members into their communities.
International students are allowed to work on campus alongside their studies. This allows them to gain practical experience working, which is often required for many professions after graduation. It also helps them to make new friends and contacts in Canada before they even graduate. And it enables them to help pay the bills while studying!
6. Good Reputation
Canada has a strong reputation around the world. It is a very safe and welcoming country with a rich history and culture. Canada has one of the top-ranked education systems in the world which makes it easy for potential students to choose Canada as their study abroad destination. In fact, many international students say that Canada's reputation is one of their main reasons for choosing this country as their study abroad destination.
7. Easy to Navigate
Canada is easy to get around and there are many things to see and do in Canada, even if you don't speak French or English. And students can live almost anywhere in Canada; big cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver offer exciting opportunities to experience diverse cultures and lifestyles while smaller towns provide a quiet place for students to focus on their studies.
8. Multicultural
International students also say that they are impressed by Canada's multiculturalism and diversity, as well as the friendliness of Canadians. The fact that Canada is a bilingual country and offers services in both French and English makes it even easier for international students to feel at home and comfortable during their studies.
International students who study abroad in Canada also say that they appreciate the clean environment, safety, great education system, and overall high standard of living. And the money goes a lot further in Canada than it does in many other countries.
If you're planning to study in Canada, way to go! You've made an amazing decision! There's some preparation that needs to go into it, and we at VCANXL can help with that! We offer services such as training for IELTS and PTE and provide clients with up-to-date information on immigration news to Canada. We represent everyone, ranging from families to individuals, and strive to provide the highest quality advice and guidance to those moving. Our services are also affordable and all our interactions are private, so you don't have to worry about your privacy being breached.
