In recent years, there has indeed been increased interest in Canada among students from different countries around the world. Thus, compared to 2004, the figures for 2012 increased by as much as 60%, with a continuing trend of a 7% annual increase in the number of students. Currently, about 260,000 foreign students are studying in the Maple Leaf Country.
What is driving this surge? The Canadian government is doing everything possible, as former Immigration Minister Jason Kenny said, to 'attract the best and brightest young minds in the world to the country'.
In particular, Canada has many leading educational institutions for all levels of study. For example, McGill University (Montreal) is consistently in the list of the top 20 universities in the world. Students in Canada can study in English or French, and often, thanks to the official policy of bilingualism, in both languages.
Also contributing to the influx of students is the fact that compared to countries such as the USA and Great Britain, the cost of living in Canada is significantly cheaper, which reduces the financial burden on students both during and after their studies. In addition, 81% of foreign applicants receive study permits.
Soon, new rules will come into effect in Canada limiting the issuance of study permits only to students studying at institutions approved by their province or territory. This will help maintain the integrity of the work permit program and ensure a smooth study and work process for students.
After graduating from a Canadian educational institution, students have several options. Some return to their home country to apply the knowledge they have acquired. But many stay to live and work in Canada and seek to use their Canadian education as a stepping stone to permanent residency.
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