Canada is one of the most popular academic destinations on earth

We’ve touched on why dual citizens should consider Canada as an academic destination. The primary reason being that you pay Canadian tuition rates – not international fees. In a world that is increasingly paying attention to Canadian academic institutions, citizens by descent have a tremendous advantage in this regard and have the added benefit of being entitled to stay in the country, pursue work, or reside here easier than most of the international student community.

According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education as of the end of last year there were 494,525 international students in Canada. This number from Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is an increase of 20% over 2016 and is particularly significant in that it surpasses Canada’s International Education Strategy goal of 450,000 international students in Canada by 2022, five years ahead of schedule.

This number representing all levels of Canadian education clearly demonstrates the continuing attractiveness of Canada as a study destination,’ said Karen McBride, President and CEO of CBIE. Our research shows that international students choose Canada because of the quality of the Canadian education system and our reputation as a safe and tolerant country. This reputation is especially attractive now, given a changing global climate, and 95% of international students tell us they would recommend Canada to family and friends. Moreover, the strong focus of our member institutions across the country on effectively supporting international students is a hallmark of Canada’s approach, one that we continually strive to improve. -CBIE

Sixty percent of international students surveyed harboured the desire to become a permanent resident in Canada after they graduate, according to a recently released survey by the CBIE. This represents a 51 per cent increase in a smaller survey conducted in 2015.

Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Ahmed Hussen, says the government wants international students to become permanent residents. He told parliament’s Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration that helping international students stay in Canada is a key facet of Canada’s new multi-year immigration levels plan for 2018-2020. Canadian Citizenship has also been made more accessible to international students through changes that now allow former students to count the time spent in Canada on a temporary visa, such as a study permit.