Nigeria is 4th Largest Source of Study Permits to Canada

Nigeria is now Canada’s fourth-largest source of study permits, according to a recent report on the economic impact of international education.

The report reveals that study permits from Nigeria, India, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Colombia collectively contributed $30.9 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2022, representing 1.2% of that year’s GDP.

The report includes long-term and short-term students in schools, colleges, and universities. It highlights how important international education is for Canada’s economy, helping it grow in a fast-changing world.

Big Increase in International Students

The number of international students in Canada has gone up a lot, increasing by 61% from 2016, when there were 523,971 students, to 2022, when there were 844,444 students.

International students spent about $37.3 billion on tuition, housing, and other items in 2022, even after accounting for Canadian scholarships. This spending supported 246,310 jobs and generated $7.4 billion in tax revenue.

“The year 2022 saw the highest number of long-term students in Canada, following a dip in 2020 and 2021 due to travel restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic,” the report said.

The report shows that the economic benefits of international students in Canada are growing. Overall spending more than doubled from $15.5 billion in 2016 to $37.3 billion in 2022, an annual increase of 15.7%.

Top Study Destinations

Canada hosted 844,444 international students in 2022, with 769,515 being long-term students. Ontario was the most popular destination, with 432,272 international students, which is over half of the total. British Columbia followed with 186,886 students, making up 22% of the international student population.

Prince Edward Island had only 4,491 international students in 2022 but had the highest percentage increase in study permit holders, growing over 1,800% from 2000 to 2022. Nunavut and the Northwest Territories had the fewest, with five and 35 students, respectively.

International students from Nigeria, India, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Colombia play a big role in Canada’s economy and cultural exchange. This influx not only boosts the economy but also shows how connected global education systems are.

However, the report also points out challenges like visa approval issues and policy changes that need to be addressed to keep and improve these benefits.