Newly released numbers from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveal that as of December 31, 2019 there were 642,480 international students in Canada. This number represents a 13% increase over 2018, a slightly slower rate of growth than in 2018 when international student numbers grew by 16% over the previous year.
“The new data clearly demonstrate the continuing attractiveness of Canada as a study destination,” said Larissa Bezo, President and CEO of CBIE. “Our research shows that international students choose Canada because of the quality of the Canadian education system and our reputation as a safe and tolerant country. This reputation is especially appealing at present given current geo-political realities, and 96% of international students tell us they would recommend Canada to family and friends.”
The new IRCC data maintain the growth curve noted in CBIE research, with India emerging as the top source country of international students for the second year in a row with 28% growth. For the first time since 2006, China had a decline (0.5%) in the number of students coming to Canada although it remains firmly in second place, with 141, 400 students in 2o19. South Korea remained in third place with 24,180 students, closely followed by France with 24, 045 students.
The total number of post-secondary international students in Canada as of December 31, 2019 was 498, 735, a 14.5 % increase from 2018.
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