Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released its recent data showing Canada welcomed over 550,000 international students from 184 countries in 2022.
With a total of 807,750 international students holding valid study permits (new and continuing students) as of Dec 31, 2022, Canada is now one of the top destination for international students worldwide.
Pre-pandemic in 2019, there were 637,860 international students in Canada which decreased in 2020 but 2022 numbers have set a new record for Canada.
The top 10 source countries in 2022 for new international students coming into Canada were India, China, Philippines, France, Nigeria, Iran, Republic of Korea, Japan, Mexico, and Brazil.
- India (226,450 students);
- People’s Republic of China (52,165 students);
- Philippines (23,380 students);
- France (16,725 students)
- Nigeria (16,195 students);
- Iran (13,525 students);
- Republic of Korea (11,535 students);
- Japan (10,955 students);
- Mexico (10,405 students); and
- Brazil (10,405 students).
*source – IRCC
In addition to that, the top 10 source countries for the continuing students (already in Canada) at the end of 2022 were largely the same as the new students.
- India (319,130 students);
- People’s Republic of China (100,075 students);
- Philippines (32,455 students);
- France (27,135 students);
- Nigeria (21,660 students);
- Iran (21,115 students);
- Republic of Korea (16,505 students);
- Vietnam (16,140 students);
- Mexico (14,930 students); and the
- United States (14,485 students).
*source – IRCC
Ontario with 411,000 students was the most popular province for international students in 2022 followed by British Columbia (164,000), Quebec (93,000) and Alberta (43,000).
There are a number of reasons that makes Canada one of the preferred destinations including the high quality of education, lower cost of studying, work opportunities along with studying and immigration opportunities post-graduation.
Quality of education
Canadian universities are amongst the top ranked in the world offering education at all levels. The institutions are renowned for well-versed teaching faculty, up-to-date courses & programmes, cutting-edge research facilities, a satisfactory student life, and scholarships.
Lower cost of studying
Canadian universities have comparatively lower tuition fee as compared to universities in other major English-speaking destinations. Canada also has lower living costs for the students as well.
Ability to work
Not only Canada offers part time work options for international students but there is also the Post Grad Work Permit (PGWP) program allowing students to stay in Canada to work after the graduation. Currently, study permit holders can work unlimited hours during their studies until end of 2023.
Pathway to residency
Canada is one of the countries looking to retain the international students by offering the pathway to residency. This generally involves acquiring the minimum work experience of one year during the PGWP and then check on eligibility to apply for permanent residence under Canadian Experience Class (CEC) of Express Entry Program.
Interested in what Canada has to offer? Get in touch to schedule a free consultation to check on your options.