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International Students In Canada: Top 10 Source Countries

By July 15, 2023 August 24th, 2023 No Comments

As one of the most desirable countries to study in, Canada offers students from around the world the opportunity to experience a world-class education. In this blog post, we will be spotlighting the top 10 source countries with the most students currently enrolled in Canadian universities and colleges. Let’s delve into their culture, education system, and reasons why they chose Canada as their destination for higher education.

Top 10 Sources Of International Students In 2022

1 India 226,450
2 China 52,165
3 Philippines 25,380
4 France 16,725
5 Nigeria 16,195
6 Iran 13,525
7 South Korea 11,535
8 Japan 10,955
9 Mexico 10,405
10 Colombia 10,150

Based on official data from the Canadian government, India, China, and the Philippines stand out as the three primary countries providing the highest number of international students to Canada. If you’re an international student in Canada, chances are you’ve met someone from one of these 10 countries.

India: A Growing Source of International Students

India’s importance as a source of international students has grown significantly in recent years, and 2022 was no exception. The number of study permit holders from India grew by 33.6% last year, with approximately 226,450 Indian students receiving study permits.

China: A Key Contributor to Canadian Education

Approximately 52,165 students from China came to Canada in 2022, making China the second most important source country. It reflects the strong ties between the two nations and the appeal of Canada’s education system.

The Philippines: Embracing Canadian Education

The Philippines was third on the list, with roughly 25,380 students choosing to come to Canada. Its students are drawn to Canada’s welcoming environment and diverse educational opportunities.

These three countries provided a total of 303,995 international students to Canada’s post-secondary institutions in 2022, accounting for 55.1% of the total number of study permit holders.

France: Elevating Canadian Educational Diversity

It’s worth noting that France, a much smaller country than the United States, managed to send over 16,000 students to Canada in 2022, making it the fourth biggest source country. This shows that size doesn’t necessarily determine a country’s ability to provide students with a world-class education.

Nigeria: The Fifth Most Important Source of International Students to Canada

According to the latest data from Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Nigeria was the fifth most important source of international students to Canada, with 16,195 students studying across Canadian universities and colleges in 2022.

Iran was just behind Nigeria, providing 13,525 international students, followed by South Korea with 11,535, Japan with 10,955, and Mexico with 10,405. Colombia was the final country to make it to the top 10 list, contributing 10,150 international students.

Canadian universities and colleges enjoy a stellar reputation worldwide, as the number of international students in Canada swelled by 24.2% to hit a record-breaking 551,405. This surge is likely due to Canada’s reputation for excellent education and a welcoming environment for international students, with policies that allow them to work while studying and provide a path to permanent residency after graduation.

Canadian Universities and Colleges: A Stellar Reputation Worldwide

Canada has established itself as a destination of choice for international students worldwide, mainly due to the outstanding reputation of its universities and colleges.

The University of Toronto: A Global Leader in Education

The University of Toronto holds the top position among Canadian universities and is consistently ranked highly by Maclean’s. Thousands of international students are attracted to this prestigious institution every year.

McGill University: Excellence in Education

McGill University is renowned for providing the highest quality of education. It tops Maclean’s rankings’ subcategory of education quality, making it an appealing choice for international students.

University of Waterloo: An Innovative Hub

The University of Waterloo excels in innovation, topping the subcategory of the degree of innovation according to Maclean’s rankings. It offers international students opportunities to develop groundbreaking ideas.

Working Opportunities for International Students in Canada

International students in Canada have the opportunity to work while studying, providing them with valuable experience and financial support. There are three categories under which international students can work in Canada during their studies:

On-Campus Employment: Convenience and Experience

Students can work on campus without a Work Permit, allowing them to gain work experience within the boundaries of their campus.

Off-Campus Work Opportunities

International students can work off-campus with a Work Permit, expanding their job prospects and gaining valuable experience beyond the campus.

Co-op and Internship Programs: A Bridge to the Professional World

These programs offer international students practical work experience related to their field of study, enhancing their employability and future career prospects.

Moreover, spouses or common-law partners of foreign students are also eligible for work permits, contributing to their households and gaining work experience in Canada.

Upon completing their studies, international students may be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, allowing them to work in Canada for up to three years. This work experience can be used towards a permanent residence application through various immigration programs, such as the Express Entry system.

Contact Immigrationway

If you’re an international student in Canada and need assistance with your immigration needs, contact Immigrationway today. Our team of immigration professionals can help you navigate the complex Canadian immigration system and provide personalized guidance and support. From student visas to work permits, we can help you achieve your goals and make the most of your time in Canada. Contact us today to learn more.