International students also have a significant impact on the Canadian economy. According to the CBIE, international students contributed over $22 billion to the Canadian economy in 2018, and supported over 170,000 jobs across the country. This contribution includes the direct spending by international students on tuition, accommodation, and living expenses, as well as indirect spending on goods and services.
International students also bring a diverse range of skills and perspectives to Canadian universities and colleges, which helps to create a more vibrant and dynamic learning environment for all students.
Furthermore, international students also contribute to Canada’s research and innovation efforts. Many international students go on to work in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and their contributions to research and innovation can help to drive economic growth and create new jobs.
Stats:
According to the data provided by the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), there were over 642,000 international students in Canada in 2020. Among them, the top five countries of origin were China, India, South Korea, the United States, and France.
The most popular provinces for international students are Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia, which together account for over 70% of the total international student population in Canada. The most popular fields of study among international students are business and management, engineering, and computer and information sciences.
Additionally, many international students choose to stay in Canada after they complete their studies. According to the latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, over 90% of international students who graduated from Canadian universities in 2018 had applied for a post-graduation work permit, which allows them to work in Canada for up to three years after graduation.
Also, a large number of international students apply for permanent residence in Canada. The Canadian government has been making efforts to attract and retain international students with measures such as the Canadian Experience Class and the Provincial Nominee Program.
Overall, international students make a significant contribution to Canada’s economy, society and culture, and their presence in Canada is highly valued.
Additionally, international students often stay in Canada after they finish their studies, which can help to address labor shortages in key industries and help to boost economic growth. Many international students also go on to become permanent residents or citizens of Canada, which helps to diversify and strengthen Canada’s population.
Lastly, international students also bring cultural diversity to Canada’s universities and colleges, which helps to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all students. This cultural exchange can also foster mutual understanding and cooperation among different countries and cultures.
About Author
