Why is Canada so popular among international students?

There are several reasons why Canada remains a top destination for international students—including the standard of education, lower costs, obtaining work, and immigration opportunities post-graduation.

In fact, a recent report by IDP—an international education agency that specializes in student placement around the world—showed that Canada was overwhelmingly the top destination of choice for international students globally.

Quality of education

Contributing to this strong standing, is the excellent quality of education that can be had in Canada. Many Canadian institutions rank among the most prestigious schools internationally (especially when considering specific programs and faculties). Canadian schools therefore receive recognition globally, a key feature in attracting international students.

Cost

The more favorable exchange rate of the Canadian dollar, yields better conversions with international currency than its counterparts. This means international students can obtain post-secondary schooling at a lower price than in many other countries with a comparable level of education, like the U.S. or the U.K. The average cost of an undergraduate education in Canada (depending on province, institution, and program of study) is between $20,000 and $40,000 CAD. Additionally, Canada offers multiple financial aid programs for international students, easing financial stresses further.

Work opportunities

The ability to work within the country has also increased Canada’s popularity among foreign students. International graduates in Canada are eligible to receive a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) upon completion of their studies. This is an open work permit that allows students to reside and work full-time in the country after graduation, a key step in the immigration process for international graduates in Canada (more on this later). International graduates in Canada also have a high employment rate, averaging 73% among graduates at all levels of education. Last year 132,650 full-time students transitioned to workers through the PGWP program, with consistent growth seen in the number of PGWP holders entering the workforce, every year.

Additionally, international students holding a valid study permit can now work an unlimited number of hours during school semesters, until the end of 2023. This policy change allows students to support themselves (under their current status), with more freedom than is granted in other countries; additionally enabling them to gain footholds in the Canadian labour market during their educational years.

Post-graduation immigration possibilities

Canada is one of the few countries that provides international students with options to settle permanently in the country. Moreover, pursuing a Canadian education is one of the best ways to increase one’s eligibility for immigration.

The path from student to immigrant usually involves obtaining a PGWP and acquiring the minimum necessary eligible full-time work experience (one year). From here, students can apply for permanent residence through one of Canada’s immigration programs. A specific stream has even been created within the Express Entry managed programs with these individuals in mind—the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Last year alone saw some 53,725 people transition from PGWP to permanent residence—speaking to both the popularity and attainability of immigration for international students who want to transition from their current status to permanent residents of Canada.

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