The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) has just released the results of the 2021 International Student Survey. The survey includes data from more than 41,000 students from 67 Canadian educational institutions. International students shared their thoughts on the different aspects of studying in Canada. They answered questions about their reasons for studying in Canada, their experiences there and their hopes for the future.
Security and stability are key factors for deciding
Canada is often ranked as one of the safest nations in the world. Although nearly 80% of students said safety was the most important criterion, this is the first time that safety has surpassed educational prestige as a determining factor for students deciding to study in Canada.
For 70% of the students, the second factor was the reputation of educational institutions in Canada. Additionally, more than 50% of respondents said Canada’s tolerance, diversity and inclusion makes it a desirable place for students.
How students finance their time in Canada
Most of the students said that their parents and other family members helped them with funding for their studies in Canada. Some other students said they also depended on off-campus support & their personal savings.
On Campus jobs
Unless they are a part-time final semester student and do not require a full course load, students can only work on campus up to the last day of enrollment as a full-time student.
Only part-time students who are in the last semester of a full-time course & do not have to complete a full course this semester are allowed to work.
High Acceptance Rate for International Students
Overall, students said their life and academic experience in Canada was satisfactory.
They consider their initial arrival in Canada to be fairly straightforward, with accommodation being the main challenge. Although 39% of students reported some difficulty getting a student visa and obtaining an acceptance letter.
Remaining in Canada after Graduation
The majority of students asked about their intentions after graduation indicated that they intend to obtain PR status and remain in Canada. Others said they would get a few years of work experience in Canada before returning home.
Graduates wishing to remain in Canada after completing their studies can get PR in a number of ways.
Post Graduation Work Permit
70% or more of students said that they intend to apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit after completion of their education. Earning a PGWP allows you to gain extensive work experience in Canada that can be used to apply for PR.
A Post-Graduation Work Permit is an open work permit that allows graduates to work in Canada in any field. The duration of the approval depends on the length of your program, a maximum of 3 years.
Canadian Experience Class
It is the most popular Express Entry program for PGWP holders. Upon completion of one year employment in Canada with a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of at least 5 for National Occupational Classification Skill Code B positions or CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs, you are eligible to apply for Express Entry.
Work experience gained as a full-time student does not count toward the work experience required for express entry.
Provincial Nominee Programs
Almost all Canadian provinces have their own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The PNPs are designed to meet the needs of the provincial and territorial labor markets. Most provinces have programs specifically designed for recent international students, each with their own admission requirements.
