We spend most of our time highlighting how solid our strategy looks… but somewhere in between, resilience is our goal, for the times when it doesn’t work out as we hope.
Therefore, our focus should be on how well the system recovers from complications. Because unexpected challenges are inevitable.
So, what’s the plan for when chaos strikes?
In recent years, Canada’s international education sector has undergone significant transformation. Some may see these changes as making Canada less attractive, but the reality is that Canada still offers outstanding value for international students wanting quality education and good career prospects.
Studying how the leading destination has developed over decades offers much deeper understanding of its evolution than just listing the benefits of Canadian education. So, before we explore why students choose Canada for their international studies, let’s first look at how Canada started accepting international students.
Brief History
According to a study “A question of self-interest: a brief history of 50 years of international student policy in Canada”. Canada’s international student policy evolved consistently adapting to strategies over time.
- In 1970, with the of introduction of different tuition fees for international students, the enrolment grew from 15,000 to over 20,000 students.
- The 1976 Immigration Act classified these international students as temporary visitors, preventing them from merely seeking immigration status.
- During 1985-2001, institutions like UBC developed active recruitment strategies.
- 2001-2014 period marked direct federal government’s involvement in recruitment, with supportive policies. Key developments included:
- 2008 launch of the “EduCanada” brand,
- Overseas recruitment where 80% of institutions were recruiting internationally by 2014,
- Pathway programs for students lacking direct entry credentials with 72% of universities by 2018,
- Aiming to double international student numbers by 2022 which was achieved three years early, contributing billions to Canada’s economy.
As outlined in a study “Finally, an Internationalization Policy for Canada”, 2015. Canada saw the importance of developing a national approach to international education.
- In 2011, federal government allocated $10 million CAD to develop an international education strategy after acknowledging that Canada attracts only 5% of global tertiary students, falling behind competitors like the U.S. and U.K.
- The strategy set an ambitious target of sending 50,000 Canadian students abroad annually while doubling international student intake from 239,131 in 2011 to over 450,000 by 2022.
International Enrolments by Sector, Canada, 1992-93 to 2022-23
International Enrolments by Major Field of Study, Canadian Colleges, 1992-93 to 2021-22
International Students as a Percentage of Total College Enrolments, Canada vs. Ontario, 2000-01 to 2021-22
Canada’s New Approach: Quality Over Quantity
Canada’s prioritization for quality over quantity marks a strategic evolution.
Recent policy adjustments aim to ensure sustainable growth that benefits both international students and Canada as a country.
- Selective admission processes focusing on genuine students committed to their educational goals
- Enhanced scrutiny of educational institutions to maintain high academic standards
- Better alignment between education programs and labour market needs
This recalibration creates a more balanced ecosystem where international students can truly thrive and achieve their educational and career aspirations.
Diploma programs as the excellent value proposition…
These programs offer several advantages:
- Completion in 2-3 years vs. 4+ years for conventional degrees
- Lower tuition costs
- Strong focus on practical, hands-on skills
- Post-graduation work permit eligibility (up to 3 years)
- Fast-tracked entry into the Canadian workforce
The study “International students’ knowledge and emotions related to academic integrity at Canadian postsecondary institutions, 2021” revealed that most international students demonstrated strong knowledge and confidence in understanding academic integrity concepts, with more than 50% reporting that academic integrity expectations in their home countries were comparable to those in Canada. However,
- nearly one-third of participants experience fear and anxiety
- disagreement and confusion about reusing previous academic work in different courses under self-plagiarism clause
The State of Canada’s Postsecondary Education System
“The State of Postsecondary Education in Canada, 2024” stated that Canada experienced an explosive growth in international student enrolment, with numbers surging from under 40,000 in the late 1990s to over 450,000 in 2022-23.
This increase has transformed the Canadian postsecondary landscape, with
- 18% international students in university enrolments and
- 24% of college enrolments, with Ontario hosting over 70% of international college students.
Canada’s higher education strength is reflected in its labour market demand and outcomes. The combination of international student growth and strong graduate outcomes positions Canada’s postsecondary education system as both economically and educationally beneficial.
- Bachelor’s degree holders earn a median income of $55,700 two years post-graduation, increasing to $67,300 after five years, while
- College diploma graduates start at $44,500 and progress to $50,100 over the same timeframe.
The colossal growth in international student enrolment, from 829,405 students in 2019, with a 135% increase from 2010 to 2020 despite pandemic-related drops. This growth has generated significant economic benefits, contributing $21.6 billion annually and supporting 170,000 jobs, while 60% of international students plan to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Improving Student Experience: Focus on International Students at a Canadian Institution
As documented in “International Student Policy in Canada: A Critical Analysis, 2023”, the critical challenges faced by international students, include:
- high tuition costs,
- limited financial aid,
- difficulties securing internships or co-op positions,
- language barriers,
- discrimination, and
- limited opportunities for social integration with domestic students.
The study raises important ethical concerns about the marketing of Canadian higher education.
Key recommendations include
- improving integration policies,
- increasing financial support,
- enhancing employment opportunities, and
- fostering better connections between international students and host communities.
Survey “Experiences of International Students at a Canadian University: Barriers and Supports” reveals the comprehensive experiences of international students at Canadian universities, revealing both significant challenges and essential support systems. with 104 survey participants and 14 interviews.
The Canadian Advantage
Canada’s Immigration Advantage
Despite recent policy adjustments, Canada maintains its position as one of the world’s most immigration-friendly destinations for international graduates. The country offers merit-based pathways to permanent residency (PR) through the Express Entry system, complemented by Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) specifically designed for international graduates.
International students benefit from up to three years of post-graduation work experience opportunities. Additional advantages include spousal work permits for partners of international students enrolled in eligible programs.
Value for Money in Canadian Education
Canada continues to offer high-quality education at significantly lower costs compared to traditional destinations like the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. International students benefit from healthcare coverages in most provinces, ensuring medical support throughout their studies.
Canadian graduates demonstrate strong employment outcomes, particularly in growing sectors such as technology, healthcare, and engineering. The country’s education credentials enjoy worldwide recognition, enhancing graduate mobility and career prospects internationally. Additionally, Canada’s bilingual environment offers students the opportunity to develop proficiency in both English and French.
The Focus on Outcomes and Employability
Canada’s educational institutions are increasingly prioritizing what matters most to international students: relevant outcomes and employment prospects. Universities and colleges are developing industry-aligned curricula that ensure graduates possess the relevant skills demanded by today’s employers.
Many diploma and degree programs integrate co-op programs and internships (CEWIL), providing students with hands-on experience and professional networks before graduation. Career services have been specifically redesigned to address international students’ unique needs, including work permit guidance, resume adaptation for Canadian employers, and interview preparation. One such example is LMI Tool to find insights on your profession! Find your next career | Careers by Campus Connect
Educational institutions maintain strong partnerships with employers across various sectors, facilitating direct recruitment opportunities and industry mentorship programs. These efforts are particularly evident in Canada’s rapidly expanding tech, healthcare, and green energy sectors, where emerging opportunities align perfectly with the country’s commitment to innovation and sustainable development.
Canada: Still Among the World’s Happiest Nations
Beyond educational and career aspects, Canada consistently ranks among the world’s happiest and most liveable countries, placing 8th in the 2024 World Happiness Report.
The country offers an exceptional quality of life characterized by clean environments and well-maintained urban and rural spaces. Canada fosters multicultural environment where international students can maintain their cultural identities while integrating into Canadian society.
Making the Smart Choice
For the thoughtful international student, Canada offers a unique practical skill development, and immigration opportunities unmatched by most competing destinations. Success in this environment requires a strategic approach to educational planning and decision-making.
Prospective students should thoroughly research programs with strong graduate employment outcomes, and placement rates. It’s essential to consider college diplomas as viable, cost-effective alternatives to traditional university degrees, particularly in fields where practical skills and industry connections are paramount.
Geographic location plays a crucial role in overall affordability, making it important to choose cities or regions where housing and living costs remain manageable without compromising educational quality. Selecting institutions with international student support services ensures access to academic, social, and practical assistance throughout the educational jurney.
Finally, understanding immigration pathways and requirements before arrival allows students to make informed decisions about their programs and plan their transition from temporary to permanent status effectively.
While Canada’s international education landscape is evolving, these changes ultimately strengthen its position as a premier destination for serious students seeking quality education and meaningful opportunities. The focus on sustainable growth, student outcomes, and genuine educational experiences ensures that Canada will continue to attract and nurture international talent for years to come.
For international students willing to make informed choices, Canada remains not just a place to study, but a place to build a successful future.
