Canada’s plan to bring in 900,000 international students in 2023 is a significant effort to attract students from around the world for higher education. This is the highest rate of immigration Canada has ever seen. And it is more than three times higher than the rate of the number who entered the country a decade ago.
In an interview with the Canada Broadcasting Corporation, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada Marc Miller stated that the country is worried about the whole integrity of the educational system that serves hundreds of thousands of international students, not just the additional strain they place on housing.
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The Reasons Behind Canada’s Acceptance of Foreign Students
Canada’s preference for international students can be attributed to various reasons.
Firstly, international students contribute significantly to the country’s economy through tuition fees, living expenses, and other expenditures.
Secondly, they enhance cultural diversity and global perspectives within Canadian universities, enriching the learning environment for all students.
Additionally, international students often become potential immigrants, addressing Canada’s demographic and labor market needs. Last but not least, promoting global connections and cooperation through education strengthens Canada’s soft power and reputation worldwide.
Statistics Canada shows that immigrants who are foreign students prosper in the job market because they are young, educated, have experience working in Canada, and speak fluent English and/or French. According to research, half of the foreign students in Canada intend to settle down there in the future.
Why International Students Are Drawn to Canada?
According to research by the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), students from abroad prefer Canada because of the country’s high standard of instruction and recognition as a multicultural and welcoming society.
Both Canadians and foreign students have high level of living in Canada. In fact, it is rated as having the best quality of life in the world. In terms of living standards, Canada always comes in top. Every province has a different cost of living. Depending on expenses for housing, food, activities, and transportation, a student may need to spend between 800 and 2000 CAD.
An important factor in choosing to study in Canada is the fact that foreign students are permitted to work 20 hours per week during their semester. Students who are interested in working on campus or as interns in any company do not need a separate work permit because their study permit is enough to let them find a part-time job while they are studying in Canada. Canada is classified as one of the safest and tenth most peaceful nations in the world by the Global Peace Index 2021. Canada’s universities have a more effective authority to ensure the security of students, especially international students.
Many universities in Canada have their own unique set of services, like providing shuttles and security guards to drop off students at their homes or stations, having mobile apps with a direct line where students may contact security with any questions, etc.
Another reason behind Canada is highly attractive to international students is its currently weak dollar. Although tuition for foreign students is more expensive than for Canadian students, it is yet competitive globally when compared to paying tuition and living expenses in currencies like American dollars, British pounds, and Euros.
Best Courses to Study in Canada:
For Bangladeshi students considering studying abroad, Canada is an excellent option. Canada offers the perfect atmosphere for students to succeed with its top colleges, thriving cities, and friendly citizens. There are a variety of courses available to study in Canada from Bangladesh after HSC.
- Business & Management Studies
- Hospitality & Leisure Management
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Accounting & Finance
- Computer Science
- Media & Journalism
- Nursing
- Dentistry
- Communication
- Law
- Art & Humanities
What Qualifications Do You Need to Study in Canada?
Requirements for Entry:
For an undergraduate degree, a student’s 12th-grade grades must be at least 70%. For a postgraduate degree, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with strong grades. For a postgraduate degree, the majority of universities need two to three years of full-time work experience.
Language Proficiency:
To study in Canada, you have to prove your language ability in either English or French. You can take severe proficiency tests including
IELTS: A minimum band of 6.0 is required
TOEFL: A minimum score of 90-100 is required
Concerns on Fraud
In the interview, Marc Miller brought up the conversation that private and public universities generate C$20-C$30 billion ($14.7-$22.1 billion) per year in revenue for those who come to study from abroad.
According to a Reuters report, he said, “Some people are making a lot of money out of it legitimately, some people are gaming the system and my principal concern is with that integrity of the system”.
He also added, “The university ecosystem brings in foreign students is very lucrative and it’s come with some perverse effect, some fraud in the system. Some people taking advantage of what is seen to be a backdoor entry into Canada”.
Canada’s ambitious plan to attract 900,000 international students in 2023 reflects its commitment to excellence in education, cultural diversity, and economic growth. This initiative not only positions Canada as a premier destination for higher learning but also sets the stage for a more interconnected and globally aware society. As international students continue to contribute to academic, economic, and cultural advancements, Canada’s investment in their education yields dividends that extend far beyond its borders.
Canada provides a promising climate that benefits students, institutions, and the country as a whole by supporting a global learning community and offering immigration opportunities.
