Why do nearly 80% of international students in Canada eventually choose to immigrate? What are the underlying reasons? Recently, the latest QS World University Rankings were released; a deep dive into these rankings and the issues hidden behind them seems to provide a clear conclusion.
High Demand: Excellent School Quality and Reputation
In the 2017 QS World University Rankings, Canadian universities performed exceptionally well, with a total of 9 universities entering the top 200 globally. Among them, three of Canada's top domestic universities ranked in the top 50.
Furthermore, Canada's education model is characterized by high tuition and high subsidies. The rate of obtaining a bachelor's degree is as high as 71%, and the overall level of education is comparable to the best in North America, making it highly popular among international students.
Rapidly Rising Tuition, Increasing Costs
Analysts point out: On one hand, the outstanding performance of Canadian universities attracts an increasing number of international students. On the other hand, the rising cost of tuition in Canada also places significant pressure on international students.
The latest data from Statistics Canada shows that, on average, university tuition in Canada has surged by 40% compared to 10 years ago. For the 2016/17 academic year, the average tuition for undergraduate students in Canada was 6,373 CAD, nearly 3% higher than in the 2015/16 academic year and 45% higher than a decade ago.
Immigrant Status vs. International Student Status
More and more international students are turning to the path of immigration. Compared to holding international student status, obtaining immigrant status first allows one to enjoy the following additional benefits:
1. Enrollment Opportunities: Children with immigrant status can apply for schools as local residents without enrollment quotas. They enjoy 12 years of free compulsory education and are eligible for fully free adult basic education, as well as interest-free student loans and subsidies for higher and vocational education. International students do not enjoy these benefits.
2. Tuition Standards: Students with immigrant status pay tuition according to local standards, which is approximately one-third of that for international students, and they are eligible to apply for government interest-free student loans. International students in Canada do not have these benefits.
3. Medical Benefits: Students with Canadian immigrant status enjoy the same extensive free medical benefits as Canadian citizens.
4. Employment Opportunities: Canadian immigrants enjoy the same equal employment opportunities as Canadian citizens, making it easier to secure scholarships and employment. Most international students must compete with others for on-campus job opportunities, and while some may work off-campus, they are subject to time restrictions.
5. Other Benefits: Canadian immigrants enjoy numerous other benefits similar to those of Canadian citizens, such as: Old Age Security (OAS), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), family assistance, government welfare, Canada Child Benefit (CCB), childcare subsidies, employment insurance, Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), Spousal Allowance (SPA), maternity and parental benefits, sickness benefits, Guaranteed Annual Income, basic elderly benefits, and government housing. International students cannot enjoy these diverse Canadian benefits.
WorldWay currently offers high-quality programs such as the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program, Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program, and Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program, helping you to enjoy Canada's excellent educational resources after immigrating. For details, please call: 400-138-2929