
According to recent IRCC statistics, Canada is now home to 807,750 international students.
A record 551,405 international students from 184 countries were admitted to Canada in 2022, according to recent data from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
There was also an all-time high of 807,750 international students with valid study visas as of December 31st, 2022.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in study permits issued.
A total of 444,260 new study permits were issued in 2021, up from 400,600 in 2019. (with 2020 seeing a decrease due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Thus, 107,145 more study permits went into effect in 2022 than they did in 2021.
As a result, there are also significantly more students in Canada. There were 637,860 international students studying in Canada in 2019. Due to pandemic pressures, this number fell in 2020, rebounding in 2021 to reach a total of 617,315 international students in the nation. By the end of 2022, Canada will have approximately 170,000 more international students than it did in 2019 thanks to a relative return to normalcy last year.
The top 10 nations from which new international students have come to Canada in 2022 were:
S. No. | ​Country | Number of students |
1 | India | 226,450 |
​2 | China | 52,165 |
3 | ​Philippines | ​23,380 |
4 | France | 16,725 |
​5 | Nigeria | ​16,195 |
6 | Iran | ​13,525 |
7 | Republic of Korea | ​11,535 |
8 | Japan | 10,955 |
9 | Mexico | 10,405 |
10 | ​Brazil | 10,405 |
Also, as of December 31st, 2022, the top 10 source nations for students currently residing and attending school in Canada are:
​S. No | ​Country | Number of students |
1 | ​India | 319,130 |
2 | ​China | ​100,075 |
3 | Philippines | ​32,455 |
4 | ​France | ​27,135 |
5 | Nigeria | ​21,660 |
6 | ​Iran | ​21,115 |
7 | Republic of Korea | ​16,505 |
​8 | ​Vietnam | ​16,140 |
9 | ​Mexico | ​14,930 |
10 | ​U.S. | ​14,485 |
In 2022, international students in Canada attended the following provinces’ Designated Learning Institutions:
​S. No. | ​Province | Number of students |
​1 | ​Ontario | ​411,000 |
2 | British Columbia | ​164,000 |
3 | Quebec | ​93,000 |
4 | Alberta | ​43,000 |
5 | ​Manitoba | 22,000 |
6 | Nova Scotia | ​20,850 |
7 | ​Saskatchewan | ​13,135 |
8 | New Brunswick | 11,140 |
9 | Newfoundland and Labrador | ​6,175 |
10 | Prince Edward Island | ​4,485 |
Why is Canada so well-liked by students from other countries?
Canada continues to be a popular choice for international students for a number of reasons, including the quality of education, affordable living expenses, the availability of employment prospects, and immigration opportunities after graduation.
In fact, a recent study by IDP, an organization that specializes in placing students abroad, revealed that Canada was by far the most popular choice for international students worldwide.
High standard of education
The high standard of education available in Canada also contributes to this strong position. Many Canadian institutions are among the most esteemed universities worldwide (especially when considering specific programs and faculties). As a result, Canadian educational institutions are known throughout the world, which is important for drawing in foreign students.
Cost
The Canadian dollar has a superior conversion rate than its competitors due to its more favorable exchange rate. This means that compared to many other nations with a similar standard of education, such as the United States or the United Kingdom, international students can attend postsecondary institutions for less money. Depending on the region, the school, and the course of study, an undergraduate degree in Canada typically costs between $20,000 and $40,000 CDN. Further reducing financial strains are the numerous financial aid options Canada provides for international students.
Employment opportunities
Canada is now more well-liked by international students because it is possible to work there. After completing their education, foreign graduates in Canada are qualified to apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). A crucial step in the immigration process for foreign graduates in Canada, this open work permit enables students to live and work full-time in the nation following graduation (more on this later). In Canada, there is a high employment rate for graduates from abroad, which averages 73% across all educational levels. Via the PGWP program, 132,650 full-time students made the move to the workforce last year. The number of PGWP holders joining the labor field has been steadily increasing each year.
Also, through the end of 2023, international students with a current study permit are allowed to work an unlimited number of hours per semester. In addition to giving students more flexibility than is customary in other nations, this policy move gives them the opportunity to establish themselves in the Canadian labor market while they are still in school.
Possibilities for immigration after graduation
One of the few nations that offer overseas students the chance to live permanently there is Canada. Also, one of the best methods to improve one’s eligibility for immigration is to pursue a Canadian education.
Typically, earning a PGWP and accumulating a minimal amount of acceptable full-time work experience are required steps on the road from student to the immigrant (one year). From this point, students can use one of Canada’s immigration processes to seek for permanent residence. Even within the Express Entry-managed programs, a specific stream called the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) has been established with these persons in mind.
53,725 persons made the move from PGWP to permanent residency in Canada in just one year, demonstrating the attractiveness and accessibility of immigration for overseas students who seek to change from their present status to Canadian citizens.
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