Over 1 million foreign students now call Canada their home, exceeding a big milestone in the country’s international education sector, according to a recent report put together by a source. There were 1,040,985 international students in Canada at the end of 2023, a prominent 29% growth over the 807,750 students who were enrolled the year before.
India ranked first at 41%, according to a survey, which also identified the top source markets for international students in Canada. With 10% and 5% of all overseas students, respectively, China and the Philippines came in second and third.
Along with the rise in foreign students, Canada has also witnessed a notable rise in the number of people with work permits after graduation. By the end of 2023, there were 396,235 post-graduate work visa holders in Canada, up 35% from the year before, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The economic advantages that international students provide to Canada were also highlighted in the report. International students accounted for 1.2% of Canada’s GDP in 2022, contributing $30.9 billion. This amount covers the cost of visiting relatives and friends in addition to scholarships and bursaries.
The amount of new study permits awarded is anticipated to decrease, despite Canada’s increasing demand for international education. The overall number of applications for study permits is expected to decrease by 39% in 2024, according to a source. This estimate indicates that, compared to the 436,600 new study permits granted in 2023, an anticipated 231,000 were granted in 2024, a 47% decline.
With a record number of international students residing in Canada, the country’s international education market is still thriving overall. To make sure that Canada continues to be a popular choice for international students, it will be crucial to keep an eye on trends and advancements as the industry changes.
