V. 14 I. 6 – Jun 2014

Report Encourages “Fresh curriculum” for Canadian International Education Policy

CIEC Author

Source: MacLean’s via Academica | June 17, 2014

A new report published by the Canadian Council of Chief Executives (CCCE) says that Canada needs to do more to attract foreign students. The study claims that Canada is “punching below its weight” in international student enrolments, especially when recruiting from China, and emphasizes the value of international enrolments in terms of trade, international development, and diplomatic opportunities. Given increasing global competition for international enrolments, the report recommends that Canada create a new Crown corporation to promote its international education strategy and help the federal government coordinate with the provinces and territories. This body would spearhead new marketing initiatives to replace the current “Imagine Education au/in Canada” campaign. The report also recommends greater investment in an international education strategy that would encourage Canadian students to study abroad. Canada hopes to double the number of international students in Canada by 2022.

TCS Insights: While enrolment numbers for international students have rose in certain situations, Canada can still do more to bring students from abroad into the country to work towards a college or university degree. A government-run agency responsible for a national education strategy could raise enrolment rates and should be looked into further.

Use and Management of Agents by Canadian Institutions Highly Variable

CIEC Author

Source: CMEC Report via Academica | June 18, 2014

A new report issued by the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada outlines the use of education agents by Canadian schools. According to the report, the use of agents is common across Canada’s international education system except in Quebec, where administrators reported difficulties tapping into the demand for English-language education that typically drives international enrolment. The report also says that the recruitment and management of agents varies within Canada’s education systems. Institutions employ varying levels of regulation, with some using robust internal or provincial protocols and others relying on student complaints or feedback from peer institutions. Lesser-known institutions were more likely to depend on agents to build brand awareness than “super-league” institutions. Some respondents whose institutions depend on agents for enrolment expressed reluctance to terminate an agent’s contract even if misconduct occurred.

TCS Insights: The importance of education agents to post-secondary institutions in Canada continues to grow. Smaller schools are more likely to make use of agents but those who do enjoy many benefits. For information on CIEC Agent members, click here.

WesternU Enrolment Climbs In Spite of Provincial Trends

CIEC Author

Source: WesternU News Release via Academica | June 12, 2014

Western University‘s [CIEC Academic Member] projected enrolments for 2014 are increasing even as the Ontario provincial average has dipped slightly. Data from the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre indicates that WesternU’s confirmations are up by 11.6% over last year’s figures. The provincial average dropped 3% overall. Meanwhile, applications and confirmations from out-of-province and international students also climbed. Applications rose 10.4% and confirmations 14%, compared to a 5.3% increase Ontario-wide. The results confirm the success of a number of recruitment initiatives launched by WesternU in the past year, including a social media campaign, enhanced e-newsletters, and student video testimonals. “Western’s admission numbers reflect the collaborative efforts of the faculty and staff across campus,” said WesternU Provost Janice Deakin.

TCS Insights: While provincial enrolment numbers have slipped, Western University is taking steps to increasing their domestic and international student population. These efforts on the part of the university exemplify a commitment to making the institution a notable destination for students looking to attain a higher education.

International Student Enrolment in BC Grows

International Student Enrolment in BC Grows

CIEC Author

Source: BC News Release via Academica | June 6, 2014

A record number of international students enrolled at British Columbia PSE institutions in 2012–13, according to new figures. The province saw a 20% increase in international students, growing from 94,000 in 2009–10 to 112,800 in 2012–13. The increase was largely driven by applicants from India and China, whose numbers increased by 188% and 68%, respectively, over the 3-year period. The influx of international students has also benefited the BC economy. The new figures say that international students spent approximately $2.3 billion in BC on tuition, accommodation, and other living expenses, as well as on arts, culture, and recreation. This figure marks a 28% increase from 2009–10. International students’ dollars helped support 25,500 jobs. BC hopes to increase the number of international students coming to the province by 50% by 2016, in accordance with the federal International Education Strategy.

TCS Insights: Students from India are making an impact as they choose to study abroad in Canada. The impact on the economy of British Columbia has been clear and the province is looking to further this trend in the coming years.

Nova Scotia Offers Immigration Pathway to Keep International Students Post-Graduation

Nova Scotia Offers Immigration Pathway to Keep International Students Post-Graduation

CIEC Author

Source: Nova Scotia News Release via Academica | June 6, 2014

Nova Scotia has made changes to its Provincial Nominee Program that are designed to make it easier for international students to immigrate to the province. As of June 6, international graduates who have a job offer in-hand from a NS employer will be able to apply for permanent residency through the program’s Skilled Worker stream. It is hoped that the changes will help NS retain skilled workers as well as help the province’s PSE institutions attract more international students. “International graduates are educated, they’ve made friends, they know the language, and they’re already familiar with all the great things Nova Scotia has to offer. Over the past year, there hasn’t been a provincial door open to help them stay. Today, that changes,” said NS Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab. Demand for university education in the maritime provinces has been decreasing, and NS and the federal government have made attracting international students a priority.

TCS Insights: Students looking to pursue higher education in Canada now have increased incentive to do so in Nova Scotia. If students can earn an offer of employment when their academic experience concludes will be able to attain permanent resident status sooner. This will benefits students looking to continue their lives in Nova Scotia as well as the province itself.