According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), in 2021 there were over 642,000 international students studying in Canada. The top countries of origin for these students were China, India, and the United States, with over 170,000, 110,000, and 25,000 students, respectively. Other top countries of origin included France, South Korea, and Brazil, with over 20,000 students each.
Canada is a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education system, diverse cultural offerings, and welcoming atmosphere. The country is home to many top-ranked universities and colleges, and offers a wide range of programs and courses in a variety of fields. International students in Canada also have the opportunity to work part-time while studying and can gain valuable work experience through co-op and internships programs.
Canada is a very reasonable in education costs compared to its neighbor USA or for the European counterparts like UK, Germany or even the Oceania countries like Australian or New Zealand. The entire tuition and living costs can be accommodated within 25000-33000 Canadian Dollars if you are an international student which is way below the global average. This may vary with the course opted and the location of stay within a particular province. However, accurate YTD data and tuition expenses may be available on the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC) website.
| Undergraduate | Graduate | |
| University Education | $17,337 | $13,962 |
| Visual and performing arts, and communications technologies |
$20,571 | $13,150 |
| Humanities | $22,229 | $13,460 |
| Social and behavioural sciences | $21,604 | $13,557 |
| Law, legal professions and studies | $27,056 | $16,549 |
| Business management and public administration |
$23,555 | $20,518 |
| Physical and life sciences and technologies |
$24,456 | $13,730 |
| Mathematics, computer and information sciences |
$25,273 | $13,067 |
| Engineering | $26,582 | $15,870 |
| Architecture and related technologies | $22,171 | $20,123 |
| Agriculture, natural resources and conservation |
$20,268 | $12,416 |
| Dentistry | $53,105 | $20,565 |
| Medical Sciences | $33,084 | Not available |
| Nursing | $18,806 | $12,183 |
| Pharmacy | $32,886 | $10,548 |
| Veterinary medicine | $58,629 | $8,640 |
| Other health, parks, recreation and fitness |
$20,117 | $16,031 |
*Average study costs (Canadian dollars)
Data: Statistics Canada
Year-by-Year Intake of International Students in Canada
2020:
Approx. 530,000 international students
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary decline in numbers due to travel restrictions, online learning, and visa processing delays.
2021:
Approx. 620,000 international students
Numbers began to recover as travel restrictions eased and vaccination rates increased. Many students returned to in-person learning.
2022:
Approx. 800,000 international students
A significant rebound occurred as Canada reopened its borders and processing times for study permits improved.
2023:
Over 1 million international students
Canada reached a record high, solidifying its position as a top destination for international education.
2024 (Projected):
Approx. 1.1 to 1.2 million international students
Growth is expected to continue, though at a slightly slower pace due to potential policy changes, such as caps on study permits or increased scrutiny of applications.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Canada’s attractive work opportunities for graduates have driven demand.
Affordable Education: Compared to the U.S. and U.K., Canadian tuition fees are relatively lower.
Immigration Pathways: Programs like Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) encourage students to stay and work after graduation.
Global Reputation: Canadian institutions are known for high-quality education and multicultural environments.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html
Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE): https://cbie.ca/
Statistics Canada: https://www.statcan.gc.ca/
Let me know if you’d like further details or analysis!
Sanjay Prasher – Immigration Consultant, North York, Toronto
Sanjay Prasher, a trusted immigration consultant in North York, Toronto, specializes in guiding international students through the Study in Canada process. With expert knowledge of the Canada study permit guide, he assists students in navigating international student requirements in Canada and securing a study visa.
From understanding the cost of studying in Canada to helping students work while studying in Canada, Sanjay ensures a smooth transition for those pursuing higher education. He also provides guidance on post-graduation work permits in Canada, helping graduates explore immigration pathways for students leading to permanent residency.
Whether you need assistance with the study visa Canada process or want to maximize your chances of staying in Canada after graduation, Canadian Title Immigration and Visa Consulting Inc. is your go-to resource for expert advice. Contact Sanjay Prasher today for personalized immigration solutions.
Do you want to know your eligibility for Canadian study Visas?
Call us at 416-857-0100 or take less than a minute to fill our Online Assessment for Your study Visa Options.
If you and your same-sex common-law partner have lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least a year, you can sponsor them. Generally, you must provide proof of this union, such as joint financial records, property, mail, or purchases. You can sponsor your same-sex partner if you have been in a conjugal relationship for at least one year
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Canada is well known for its spacious countryside, cultural diversity, superior education, healthcare system and economic stability, has one of the highest immigration rates and is considered one of the most popular destinations for Immigrants.
