Ibrahim Gardner
Canada has become an increasingly popular destination for international students in recent years, with international students accounting for more than 2% of the country's population. The country offers a variety of educational opportunities for international students, including designated learning institutions (DLIs) such as universities, colleges, and language schools. Each province and territory in Canada has its own education system, and international students can enrol in primary and secondary schools as well as post-secondary institutions. The economic impact of international students in Canada is significant, with their expenditures contributing billions of dollars to provincial GDP and supporting thousands of jobs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Popularity | Canada is the third most popular destination for international students as of 2022 |
| Number of international students | 1,040,985 at the end of 2023; a 29% increase over 2022 |
| Reporting agencies | IRCC and GAC, with different criteria for counting international students |
| Student population in 2019 | IRCC: 642,480; GAC: 721,000 |
| Education level | Most international students are post-secondary students |
| Economic impact | International student spending contributed billions to provincial GDP and supported tens of thousands of jobs |
| Designated learning institutions (DLI) | Each province designates schools that can enrol international students, including universities, colleges, CEGEPs, vocational schools, and private career colleges |
| Application requirements | Acceptance letter must be from a DLI; all primary and secondary schools are DLIs |
| Language programs | English as a Second Language (ESL) programs offered to attract international students |
| Challenges | Allegations of corruption in enrolling international students; capacity issues leading to revoked admission offers |
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What You'll Learn
International student population in Canada
Canada is a popular destination for international students, with around 1,040,985 international students at the end of 2023, accounting for over 2% of the country's population. This number may be an underestimate, with other sources suggesting the true figure could be as high as two million. Canada's international student population has been steadily increasing, with a 13% rise in international students from 2018 to 2019, and a 29% increase from 2022 to 2023.
The majority of international students in Canada are post-secondary students, with over 120,000 college student permit holders reported in 2018. The economic impact of international students in Canada is significant. In Ontario, international student spending contributed $6.35 billion to the provincial GDP in 2016, supporting 79,034 jobs. British Columbia also experienced an increase in its GDP from international students, from $2.39 billion in 2015 to $2.76 billion in 2016, with a corresponding rise in supported jobs from 35,294 to 40,499.
International students in Canada can attend designated learning institutions (DLIs), which include universities, colleges, CEGEPs, vocational schools, and private career colleges or language schools. Each province and territory in Canada is responsible for designating post-secondary schools that can enrol international students. All primary and secondary schools in Canada can enrol international students.
To study in Canada, international students must obtain a study permit, and their acceptance letter must be from a designated learning institution. Students intending to stay for less than six months do not require a permit. International students in Canada face varying health coverage depending on the province or territory they live in, as the government does not cover their medical costs.
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Designated learning institutions (DLI)
A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a school or college that has been approved by the provincial or territorial government in Canada to host international students. This means that DLIs can accept international students and offer them support throughout their academic journey. All primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLIs, but post-secondary schools must receive permission from the provincial government to accept international students.
DLIs include a wide range of institutions, such as universities, colleges, language schools, vocational schools, private career colleges, and CEGEPs. These institutions are subject to strict quality checks by Canadian authorities to ensure they maintain high educational standards and provide a safe and supportive environment for students.
To obtain a study permit in Canada, international students must receive an acceptance letter from a DLI. The DLI number, which begins with the letter "O", must be included in the study permit application form. This number is a unique identification number for each institution on the DLI list and is required for various application processes. It is important to note that if a school is not a DLI, it is not eligible to host international students, and a study permit application for such a school will be refused.
There are several benefits to choosing a DLI in Canada. Firstly, DLIs are recognised around the world, providing graduates with profitable post-study opportunities. Secondly, DLIs enable students to obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit, which allows them to work in Canada for up to three years after graduation. Finally, DLIs offer a range of services such as academic advising, career counselling, accommodation assistance, language support, and cultural integration programs, ensuring a smooth transition into Canadian life.
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Work permits for international students
International students in Canada must attend a designated learning institution (DLI) to be eligible for a study permit. Each province and territory in Canada is responsible for designating schools that can enrol international students. These include universities, colleges, CEGEPs, vocational schools, private career colleges, and language schools.
International students with a valid Canadian study permit may be authorised to work off-campus if their school participates in an off-campus work permit program through Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). Additionally, students in programs requiring work experience, such as co-op or internships, may be eligible for work permits.
Upon graduating, international students may qualify for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). The duration of the work permit typically matches the duration of the study permit. However, starting November 1, 2024, PGWP applicants must demonstrate minimum language proficiency in English or French and graduate from an eligible field of study. The eligible fields of study include agriculture and agri-food, healthcare, science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), trade, and transport.
Spouses of international students on a valid study permit are also entitled to a Canadian study permit or an open work permit. However, recent changes in eligibility criteria have limited work permits to the accompanying spouses of most students. Additionally, spouses of master's degree students will only be eligible for work permits if the program is 16 months or longer.
Overall, while Canada offers various work permit options for international students, recent measures aim to reduce the number of temporary residents, resulting in tighter restrictions and eligibility criteria.
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The economic impact of international students
International students have a significant positive economic impact on Canada. In 2022, international students contributed $37.3 billion to the Canadian economy through expenditures on tuition, accommodation, and discretionary items. This resulted in a $30.9 billion contribution to Canada's GDP, or 1.2% of the total. This spending supported 361,230 jobs and contributed $7.4 billion in tax revenue.
International students also have a significant impact on specific provinces. Ontario, which has the largest number of international students, contributed $16.9 billion (54.6%) to the GDP, followed by British Columbia (18.4%) and Quebec (12.4%). International students are also more likely than Canadian-born individuals to start businesses or be self-employed, particularly in knowledge or technology-based industries. This drive and innovation contribute further to the economy.
The positive economic impact of international students in Canada is further highlighted when comparing their spending with other sectors. The $37.3 billion in expenditures by international students in 2022 was greater than the export value of auto parts, lumber, or aircraft. This spending has a ripple effect on the economy, increasing the production of goods and services and generating demand for intermediate products.
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Canada's global anti-corruption ranking
International students in Canada can enrol in any primary or secondary school, but for post-secondary education, they must attend a designated learning institution (DLI). These include universities, colleges, CEGEPs, vocational schools, and private career colleges and language schools. Each province and territory in Canada has its own education system, and each sets its own rules for application.
Canada has taken several measures to combat corruption and improve transparency. Canadian governments at all levels have undertaken various Open Data, Open Government, and transparency initiatives. The Federal Accountability Act, passed in 2006, introduced several mechanisms to fight corruption, including the Commissioner of Lobbying, Parliamentary Budget Officer, Public Sector Integrity Commissioner, Ethics Commissioner, and limits to election donations. Additionally, the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act protects whistleblowers in the federal public sector.
Canada has also ratified the United Nations Convention against Corruption and agreed to implement the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention. On Transparency International's 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, Canada scored 75 out of 100 and ranked 15th out of 180 countries. However, Canada ranks poorly in bribery-fighting rankings, with "little or no enforcement of anti-bribery measures." The CPI does not capture transnational corruption, and there are concerns about perceptual biases influencing the results. Nonetheless, Canada's commitment to transparency and anti-corruption initiatives is evident.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in Canada can live in any of Canada's 10 provinces and 3 territories.
International students must apply for a study permit, and their acceptance letter must be from a designated learning institution (DLI). Each province and territory in Canada approves or designates schools that can enrol international students.
The number of international students in Canada varies depending on the reporting agency. The IRCC reported 642,480 international students in Canada as of December 2019, while the International Education Division of Global Affairs Canada (GAC) reported 721,000 students for the same year. By the end of 2023, the number of international students in Canada was estimated to be over one million.
