Preparation for studies and the future is a scary and exciting stage of one’s life. For studying abroad, in the current era, there are many options available to choose from.
To broaden their horizons and experience something new, many students choose to study abroad. Reality tells that in all available options, Canada comes out in the top three countries for students. The number of global students has risen surprisingly over the last few years and Canada has been the main reason so far.
Canada ranked third in the world for most global students, with more than 642,000 attending Canadian post-secondaries.
In May 2020 Navitas surveyed its global agent network to explore how COVID-19 was changing the fortunes of international study destinations. Findings from that initial survey showed that Canada’s reputation as a study destination had been enhanced by its government’s handling of the pandemic. At that time, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada topped the pack.
The benefits of studying in Canada and your future
- World-class universities and colleges
- Language option (English or French)
- Obtain work experience in Canada after you Graduate
- Ride Canada’s tech wave
- High-class living lifestyle
- Have an enriching cultural experience
- Enjoy the country’s natural beauty
- Lower tuition costs
- You can work while you are studying
- Postgraduate work permit
- A track to Canadian permanent residence
- Live in a safe country with a high quality of life
Canada is always being a priority for international students; it means there are some factors that attract international students to study here. Canada ranks 3rd in the world for figures of global students. It has become the most favorite destination for immigrants around the world over the past five years.
Canada issued many residence permits for study permits during the last five years. In 2015 Canada issued 352,365 study permits, in 2016 almost 410,690, in 2017 about 491,135 in 2018 about 568,130 and in 2019 almost 642,480 (stats. courtesy canada.ca).
Every year, so many international students move to Canada for a prospering future. Canada offers all possible chances to settle there even if you are a student, temporary worker, new immigrant, and family members of Canada settled persons.
Basic factors that attract foreign students
- Language (English and French) learning option
- World-class educational standards
- Welcoming culture
- Friendly environment
- Affordable living expenses
Timely updates in immigration policies for positive progress works very well, by promoting immigration schemes that support global students, Canada produces top educated and productive members of society. They participate in its progress through their education, skills, and experience. They server the nation as a doctor, scientist, working in companies, teaching, and worker.
There are many reasons why, just a year ago, Canada ranked third in the world for most international students, with around 639000 attending Canadian post-secondaries. These numbers include three standards:
- the world-class system of universities and colleges
- a welcome atmosphere
- tuition and housing costs are favorable compared to the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom
Study and work in Canada
There are various benefits when you select Canada for your studies. International students who have completed their graduation can be eligible for work permits and immigration programs that lead to permanent residence.
If you are studying full-time in Canada on a valid study permit, you can work up to 20 weeks each week during the academic year, and work full-time at regular intervals. When you complete the post-secondary program, graduates can apply for a Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP). These permits are valid for a minimum of eight months and can last up to three years, allow freedom to operate legally in Canada.
PWGP holders can choose to work full-time or part-time. They have the right to work for themselves or their employer and they are exempt from the need for a labor market impact assessment. This waiver means that the employer does not have to first prove that there is no Canadian/local citizen or permanent resident available to get the work.
Track to permanent residency
Being an international graduate of a post-Canadian secondary institution is also valuable for obtaining permanent residency in Canada. There is at least one immigration stream in every ten Canadian provinces that are dedicated to recruiting foreigners for permanent residency. Many provinces have more than one program for permanent residency in Canada. Manitoba and British Columbia have more than one program. Some of these programs are designed for a specific level of education, such as a master’s or Ph.D.
Foreign students looking to apply through the Express Entry system will get an edge for having Canadian experience. Express Entry is actually a point-based application management system. It works for Canada’s three main federal permanent economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Worker Trade Program, and the Canada Experience Class. The applicants can obtain more scores towards their immigration application for having skill worker experience in Canada. Whether you’re a graduate with a job offer in the province, a Ph.D. graduate from Canada looking for permanent residency, or an international graduate looking for a business in any province of Canada, studying in Canada is not only an exciting and enriching one, but educational experience could begin, or even a great opportunity to build your life in Canada.
Statistics of International students in Canada
| Study Permit Holders by Province/Territory on 2015-2019 | |||||
| Name of Province/Territory | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 2675 | 3215 | 3665 | 4090 | 4690 |
| Prince Edward Island | 1440 | 1965 | 2475 | 3215 | 3815 |
| Nova Scotia | 10460 | 11795 | 13350 | 16170 | 18640 |
| New Brunswick | 4170 | 4445 | 4800 | 5800 | 6905 |
| Quebec | 50040 | 54735 | 61325 | 69965 | 87280 |
| Ontario | 152105 | 186345 | 236265 | 275690 | 306735 |
| Manitoba | 10020 | 12825 | 15995 | 18580 | 19385 |
| Saskatchewan | 5855 | 7035 | 7950 | 9430 | 10840 |
| Alberta | 19710 | 23410 | 26110 | 29690 | 32990 |
| British Columbia | 95790 | 104675 | 118760 | 133445 | 144675 |
| Northwest Territories | 25 | 30 | 30 | 40 | 35 |
| Yukon | 35 | 65 | 220 | 230 | 270 |
| Province/Territory not stated | 40 | 150 | 195 | 1780 | 6200 |
| Total | 352365 | 410690 | 491140 | 568125 | 642460 |
| Study Permit Holders by Province/Territory on 2010-2014 | |||||
| Name of Province/Territory | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 1620 | 1780 | 1945 | 2020 | 2260 |
| Prince Edward Island | 685 | 740 | 765 | 850 | 1070 |
| Nova Scotia | 7655 | 8470 | 9205 | 9205 | 9435 |
| New Brunswick | 3465 | 3575 | 3715 | 3855 | 3965 |
| Quebec | 32970 | 34785 | 38770 | 42090 | 47225 |
| Ontario | 89190 | 102160 | 115495 | 129025 | 141150 |
| Manitoba | 5245 | 5480 | 5980 | 6665 | 7725 |
| Saskatchewan | 3860 | 4100 | 4305 | 4675 | 4940 |
| Alberta | 15390 | 15745 | 15740 | 16865 | 17645 |
| British Columbia | 65160 | 71575 | 78720 | 86255 | 94645 |
| Northwest Territories | 20 | 20 | 30 | 25 | 25 |
| Yukon | 25 | 40 | 40 | 25 | 30 |
| Province/Territory not stated | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 225285 | 248470 | 274710 | 301555 | 330115 |
Hosting International students and steps to Ease of COVID-19 restrictions
Hosting international students is clearly a priority for Canada. The federal government has invited post-secondary institutions to prepare quarantine plans for the arrival of international students. If the government approves the institution’s plan, it can welcome new international students.
On the other hand, the federal government has also amended some rules regarding international students to accommodate people – the IRCC has also relaxed deadlines for PGWP applications and renewals. Circumstances have changed, but Canada is committed to welcoming today’s learners and future ‘s Canadians. The government has relaxed the rule to punish students off-campus for COVID-19 and to make it clear that Canada still values them and hopes to return when the situation stabilizes.
There are many reasons why federal and provincial governments should prioritize the nomination of international students. International students who graduate from Canadian institutions generally have a number of characteristics that make Canada one of the most important economic destinations for immigrants. These attributes include:
- Canadian study or work experience
- Higher education attainment
- And relative youth
Studying in Canada also requires and develops strong skills in English or French, which promote chances of permanent residency and success in Canada. Such individuals having natural behavior and usually have many characteristics in addition to Canadian study and/or work experience – asserting their status in Canada – these people not only shape their future but also Canada’s economy. They also contribute to society and economic development.
| Canada – Study permit holders with a valid permit on December 31st by country of citizenship, 2015 – 2019 | |||||
| Country of Citizenship | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
| Afghanistan | 110 | 130 | 115 | 100 | 120 |
| Albania | 175 | 220 | 280 | 365 | 535 |
| Algeria | 1,060 | 1,155 | 1,400 | 2,040 | 3,645 |
| Andorra | 5 | — | — | — | 5 |
| Angola | 95 | 115 | 85 | 75 | 135 |
| Anguilla | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| Antigua and Barbuda | 110 | 130 | 160 | 185 | 190 |
| Argentina | 210 | 260 | 280 | 340 | 405 |
| Armenia | 30 | 45 | 35 | 35 | 40 |
| Aruba | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| Australia | 745 | 710 | 705 | 710 | 665 |
| Austria | 165 | 205 | 185 | 210 | 200 |
| Azerbaijan | 200 | 215 | 225 | 220 | 215 |
| Bahama Islands, The | 795 | 1,150 | 1,515 | 1,745 | 1,815 |
| Bahrain | 65 | 65 | 80 | 80 | 90 |
| Bangladesh | 2,685 | 3,060 | 4,230 | 6,420 | 8,490 |
| Barbados | 320 | 375 | 435 | 495 | 555 |
| Belarus | 85 | 95 | 90 | 85 | 100 |
| Belgium | 455 | 550 | 575 | 540 | 715 |
| Belize | 115 | 140 | 170 | 180 | 185 |
| Benin, Republic of | 595 | 605 | 605 | 680 | 875 |
| Bermuda | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 55 |
| Bhutan | 20 | 30 | 55 | 60 | 140 |
| Bolivia | 80 | 95 | 90 | 130 | 150 |
| Bonaire, Sin Eustatius And Saba | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| Bosnia-Herzegovina | 35 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 45 |
| Botswana, Republic of | 150 | 125 | 125 | 120 | 110 |
| Brazil | 7,450 | 9,315 | 11,795 | 13,770 | 14,560 |
| Brunei | 20 | 20 | 30 | 25 | 35 |
| Bulgaria | 80 | 85 | 80 | 95 | 100 |
| Burkina-Faso | 595 | 605 | 675 | 755 | 950 |
| Burundi | 230 | 320 | 430 | 545 | 555 |
| Cambodia | 160 | 120 | 110 | 120 | 160 |
| Cameroon, Federal Republic of | 1,790 | 1,865 | 1,840 | 2,010 | 2,525 |
| Cape Verde Islands | 5 | 5 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Cayman Islands | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| Central African Republic | 45 | 45 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Chad, Republic of | 90 | 110 | 90 | 95 | 110 |
| Chile | 500 | 560 | 660 | 730 | 745 |
| China, People’s Republic of | 117,840 | 131,085 | 139,610 | 141,995 | 141,400 |
| Colombia | 1,565 | 2,005 | 2,850 | 4,000 | 5,620 |
| Comoros | 10 | 15 | 15 | 20 | 25 |
| Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 635 | 885 | 970 | 1,360 | 2,115 |
| Congo, People’s Republic of the | 360 | 275 | 240 | 240 | 260 |
| Costa Rica | 120 | 130 | 165 | 175 | 190 |
| Croatia | 120 | 130 | 110 | 95 | 70 |
| Cuba | 95 | 110 | 110 | 125 | 140 |
| Curacao | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| Cyprus | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 25 |
| Czech Republic | 160 | 190 | 200 | 210 | 200 |
| Denmark | 135 | 145 | 150 | 160 | 165 |
| Djibouti, Republic of | 35 | 40 | 50 | 75 | 80 |
| Dominica | 35 | 45 | 55 | 85 | 85 |
| Dominican Republic | 205 | 240 | 305 | 365 | 415 |
| East Timor, Democratic Republic of | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ecuador | 625 | 840 | 1,060 | 1,285 | 1,425 |
| Egypt | 1,530 | 1,830 | 2,180 | 2,515 | 2,865 |
| El Salvador | 245 | 325 | 410 | 460 | 485 |
| Equatorial Guinea, Republic of | 5 | 10 | 30 | 30 | 20 |
| Eritrea | 125 | 140 | 255 | 240 | 130 |
| Estonia | 25 | 40 | 30 | 35 | 20 |
| Ethiopia | 260 | 320 | 390 | 505 | 560 |
| Fiji | 30 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 |
| Finland | 140 | 160 | 160 | 160 | 160 |
| France | 20,205 | 20,705 | 21,845 | 22,540 | 24,045 |
| French Guiana | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| French Polynesia | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 25 |
| Gabon Republic | 125 | 130 | 145 | 140 | 155 |
| Gambia | 80 | 95 | 95 | 105 | 140 |
| Georgia | 20 | 20 | 30 | 20 | 20 |
| Germany | 2,455 | 2,650 | 2,735 | 2,910 | 2,955 |
| Ghana | 1,370 | 1,510 | 1,535 | 1,560 | 2,070 |
| Greece | 255 | 280 | 310 | 290 | 300 |
| Grenada | 50 | 60 | 60 | 65 | 60 |
| Guadeloupe | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| Guatemala | 85 | 85 | 90 | 100 | 130 |
| Guinea, Republic of | 470 | 520 | 525 | 615 | 785 |
| Guinea-Bissau | — | — | 5 | 10 | — |
| Guyana | 185 | 245 | 310 | 400 | 510 |
| Haiti | 485 | 545 | 610 | 670 | 770 |
| Holy See | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Honduras | 110 | 175 | 210 | 260 | 300 |
| Hong Kong SAR | 3,420 | 3,750 | 3,970 | 4,035 | 4,060 |
| Hungary | 150 | 155 | 155 | 145 | 145 |
| Iceland | 70 | 65 | 70 | 65 | 70 |
| India | 48,765 | 76,095 | 123,190 | 171,730 | 219,855 |
| Indonesia, Republic of | 1,295 | 1,425 | 1,590 | 1,940 | 2,205 |
| Iran | 4,505 | 5,115 | 7,310 | 10,535 | 14,745 |
| Iraq | 180 | 220 | 255 | 285 | 275 |
| Ireland, Republic of | 315 | 305 | 295 | 255 | 255 |
| Israel | 565 | 635 | 685 | 710 | 750 |
| Italy | 1,390 | 1,790 | 1,935 | 1,940 | 1,945 |
| Ivory Coast, Republic of | 1,035 | 1,210 | 1,375 | 1,615 | 2,095 |
| Jamaica | 1,890 | 2,330 | 2,330 | 2,510 | 3,005 |
| Japan | 7,155 | 7,815 | 7,960 | 8,335 | 8,485 |
| Jordan | 525 | 625 | 765 | 1,030 | 1,445 |
| Kazakhstan | 875 | 955 | 1,030 | 1,140 | 1,195 |
| Kenya | 865 | 1,165 | 1,445 | 1,850 | 2,110 |
| Kiribati | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Korea, People’s Democratic Republic of | 15 | 10 | 15 | 15 | 5 |
| Korea, Republic of | 19,790 | 21,205 | 22,940 | 24,070 | 24,180 |
| Kosovo, Republic of | 50 | 55 | 40 | 50 | 55 |
| Kuwait | 230 | 260 | 280 | 270 | 320 |
| Kyrgyzstan | 30 | 50 | 70 | 100 | 105 |
| Laos | 15 | 20 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| Latvia | 40 | 45 | 55 | 50 | 60 |
| Lebanon | 690 | 780 | 850 | 935 | 1,035 |
| Lesotho | 15 | 10 | 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Liberia | 15 | 20 | 20 | 10 | 20 |
| Libya | 1,545 | 1,350 | 1,180 | 970 | 760 |
| Liechtenstein | 0 | — | 5 | — | — |
| Lithuania | 60 | 60 | 70 | 65 | 65 |
| Luxembourg | 45 | 50 | 55 | 40 | 50 |
| Macau SAR | 305 | 310 | 325 | 350 | 330 |
| Macedonia | 30 | 45 | 35 | 30 | 30 |
| Madagascar | 180 | 245 | 265 | 285 | 320 |
| Malawi | 40 | 45 | 45 | 50 | 45 |
| Malaysia | 1,315 | 1,335 | 1,405 | 1,475 | 1,480 |
| Maldives, Republic of | 5 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Mali, Republic of | 615 | 685 | 715 | 800 | 890 |
| Malta | 5 | 5 | — | 5 | 10 |
| Marshall Islands, Republic of the | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| Martinique | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mauritania | 70 | 75 | 80 | 105 | 105 |
| Mauritius | 700 | 885 | 1,120 | 1,265 | 1,380 |
| Mexico | 5,165 | 5,990 | 6,900 | 7,805 | 8,710 |
| Moldova | 70 | 65 | 60 | 75 | 80 |
| Monaco | 5 | 10 | 5 | — | 5 |
| Mongolia, People’s Republic of | 230 | 245 | 255 | 250 | 270 |
| Montenegro, Republic of | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Morocco | 2,330 | 2,430 | 2,770 | 3,375 | 4,530 |
| Mozambique | 15 | 20 | 20 | 25 | 25 |
| Myanmar (Burma) | 50 | 45 | 50 | 55 | 140 |
| Namibia | 20 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| Nauru | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Nepal | 270 | 345 | 530 | 775 | 1,175 |
| Netherlands Antilles, The | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| Netherlands, The | 415 | 460 | 515 | 550 | 565 |
| Nevis | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| New Caledonia | 10 | 10 | 15 | 10 | — |
| New Zealand | 175 | 195 | 195 | 200 | 205 |
| Nicaragua | 20 | 20 | 40 | 50 | 90 |
| Niger, Republic of the | 160 | 170 | 165 | 200 | 220 |
| Nigeria | 9,920 | 10,630 | 10,785 | 11,190 | 11,985 |
| Northern Mariana Islands, Commonwealth of the | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Norway | 290 | 290 | 265 | 250 | 235 |
| Oman | 125 | 130 | 125 | 130 | 170 |
| Pakistan | 4,005 | 4,165 | 4,025 | 3,935 | 4,050 |
| Palau, Republic of | 0 | — | — | 0 | — |
| Palestinian Authority (Gaza/West Bank) | 135 | 170 | 190 | 225 | 275 |
| Panama Canal Zone | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Panama, Republic of | 205 | 170 | 195 | 460 | 270 |
| Papua New Guinea | 10 | 10 | 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Paraguay | 35 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 40 |
| Peru | 445 | 530 | 670 | 855 | 1,050 |
| Philippines | 1,980 | 3,325 | 3,925 | 5,035 | 7,770 |
| Poland | 275 | 270 | 270 | 280 | 265 |
| Portugal | 355 | 390 | 440 | 410 | 355 |
| Qatar | 30 | 30 | 25 | 25 | 35 |
| Reunion | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| Romania | 165 | 145 | 180 | 220 | 230 |
| Russia | 2,870 | 2,760 | 2,615 | 2,550 | 2,615 |
| Rwanda | 330 | 510 | 745 | 995 | 1,265 |
| Saint-Martin | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| Samoa, American | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Samoa, Independent State of | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| San Marino | 0 | — | 0 | — | — |
| Sao Tome and Principe | 5 | 0 | — | — | 0 |
| Saudi Arabia | 11,685 | 9,095 | 7,610 | 5,080 | 2,600 |
| Senegal | 1,285 | 1,315 | 1,360 | 1,420 | 1,780 |
| Serbia, Republic of | 150 | 170 | 175 | 170 | 190 |
| Seychelles | 5 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 5 |
| Sierra Leone | 35 | 40 | 45 | 60 | 60 |
| Singapore | 540 | 540 | 565 | 575 | 625 |
| Sint-Maarten | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| Slovak Republic | 165 | 180 | 180 | 160 | 155 |
| Slovenia | 30 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 30 |
| Solomons, The | 10 | 10 | 15 | 15 | 10 |
| Somalia, Democratic Republic of | 35 | 85 | 115 | 95 | 75 |
| South Africa, Republic of | 455 | 480 | 540 | 630 | 735 |
| South Sudan, Republic of | 10 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 20 |
| Spain | 1,300 | 1,625 | 1,845 | 2,065 | 2,205 |
| Sri Lanka | 525 | 670 | 805 | 980 | 1,550 |
| St. Kitts-Nevis | 60 | 65 | 80 | 85 | 90 |
| St. Lucia | 125 | 130 | 140 | 160 | 155 |
| St. Vincent and the Grenadines | 55 | 55 | 60 | 60 | 65 |
| Stateless | 120 | 110 | 145 | 170 | 190 |
| Sudan, Democratic Republic of | 95 | 120 | 200 | 250 | 300 |
| Surinam | 20 | 15 | 20 | 20 | 25 |
| Swaziland | 20 | 20 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Sweden | 290 | 295 | 290 | 295 | 285 |
| Switzerland | 600 | 635 | 695 | 700 | 640 |
| Syria | 280 | 265 | 295 | 350 | 405 |
| Taiwan | 3,210 | 3,710 | 4,080 | 4,680 | 5,125 |
| Tajikistan | 15 | 20 | 30 | 35 | 35 |
| Tanzania, United Republic of | 505 | 615 | 705 | 735 | 805 |
| Thailand | 1,255 | 1,270 | 1,325 | 1,405 | 1,395 |
| Togo, Republic of | 420 | 455 | 475 | 485 | 685 |
| Tonga | — | — | — | — | 0 |
| Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of | 435 | 435 | 495 | 600 | 750 |
| Tunisia | 1,750 | 1,805 | 1,860 | 1,965 | 2,210 |
| Turkey | 2,195 | 2,840 | 3,790 | 4,330 | 4,735 |
| Turkmenistan | 15 | 20 | 15 | 30 | 25 |
| Turks and Caicos Islands | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tuvalu | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| Uganda | 310 | 400 | 490 | 635 | 825 |
| Ukraine | 2,145 | 2,655 | 2,795 | 2,700 | 2,530 |
| United Arab Emirates | 95 | 70 | 65 | 70 | 75 |
| United Kingdom and Overseas Territories | 3,260 | 3,320 | 3,480 | 3,380 | 3,220 |
| United States Minor Outlying Islands | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| United States of America | 12,130 | 12,695 | 13,745 | 14,440 | 15,015 |
| Uruguay | 15 | 20 | 40 | 50 | 70 |
| Uzbekistan | 50 | 50 | 55 | 50 | 65 |
| Vanuatu | — | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| Venezuela | 1,980 | 1,925 | 1,675 | 1,245 | 880 |
| Vietnam | 4,850 | 7,435 | 13,905 | 20,185 | 21,595 |
| Western Sahara | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| Yemen | 295 | 300 | 365 | 425 | 420 |
| Zambia | 235 | 235 | 230 | 230 | 235 |
| Zimbabwe | 630 | 895 | 985 | 970 | 895 |
| Other Countries | 55 | 50 | 45 | 25 | 10 |
| Total unique persons | 352,365 | 410,690 | 491,135 | 568,130 | 642,480 |