IDP Education’s Emerging Futures study published in March found that studying in Canada is the most popular destination for international students. Most of this is due to the possibility of obtaining employment after graduation.
In the study destination survey, Canada received more than 25% of the votes over the other four nations (the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom).
63% of the 20,000 students surveyed believe that post-study employment is a primary or deciding factor in their decision to study abroad, and 72% intend to apply for a work visa once they graduate.
The poll found that 61% of students aspiring to study in Canada gave consideration to the possibility of having a work visa after graduation. India and China, however, were the only two markets where a work visa was not available. The percentage increased to 63% for Nigerian students, 75% for Vietnamese students, and 58% for Ghanaian students.
Christine Wach, director of North American client partnerships at IDP Connect, has been quoted in the article. Based on poll results, the researcher claimed that students see Canada as an affordable, safe, and welcoming place to study with good job prospects upon graduation.
Moreover, the study revealed that 53% of students prioritize work prospects after graduation when selecting a place to live. Study results also showed that 43% of students were seeking part-time employment while studying, and 61% indicated that a high-quality education was important to them.
It is permissible for foreign students studying in Canada to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year.
Students returning to full-time studies the following semester are allowed to take winter and summer breaks. While attending school, 81% of respondents said they were already working or planned to work part-time.
Post-Graduation Work Permits – An overview
Students who have recently graduated from an international university may be eligible to apply for Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWP) so they can gain experience living and working in Canada. Through this experience, one can apply for permanent residency and citizenship in Canada if desired.
PGWPs are one-time-use permits valid for three years, depending on the length of the overseas student’s program of study. In order to qualify, students must have completed a full-time degree program at a designated educational facility.
It was found that international students were more concerned with how long they can stay in Canada after completing their program than they were with getting relevant experience to facilitate their entry into the job market. Among respondents, only 48% considered the duration of the work privileges to be the most appealing feature. Nevertheless, 44% of respondents said that a shorter post-study visa would encourage them to transfer their studies elsewhere.
What is the purpose or significance of international students in Canada?
In recent years, more than 800,000 international students have come to Canada to study, and the country is eager to establish itself as a top destination for postsecondary education. With an aging population and a large number of open positions, it is beneficial for the economy and the labor force to keep graduates in Canada after they graduate.
Studies conducted by Statistics Canada in 2022 showed that immigrants with education in Canada were younger, better educated, more likely to speak an official language, and significantly more likely to have earned money in Canada prior to entry than immigrants without education.
According to Wach, Canada must increase its diversity in the classroom as well as in the workforce in order to compete with other nations for students’ attention.
“As a result, policymakers, educators, and employers should collaborate in meaningful ways to further raise awareness of the contribution students make as employees and to improve international student employment opportunities. Wach believes that if both national and regional levels can achieve this, we will witness a greater diversity of students who come to Canada and their choices of study within Canada.
Due to rising living expenses, international students require a greater degree of support and guidance. The growing prices are causing 51% of them to reconsider studying abroad. Now, they are turning to universities for help in locating part-time jobs and for clear direction regarding the total price of their education.
