Source: Asian Pacific Post via Academica | November 20, 2014
A new survey of international students from Asia and the Middle East has shown that, among English speaking destinations, Canada has a strong reputation for affordability and safety. The survey polled 1,000 students who had used the services of the global education agency IDP. Canada ranked as the top nation for affordability and safety, and was ranked second for graduate employment opportunities and government student visa requirements and policies. Canada ranked fourth for quality of education, finishing behind the US, Australia, and the UK. 44% of the students completing the survey were enrolled or planned to enrol in STEM fields; 43% in commerce and management; and 10% in health. Three-quarters said that they had parental support to fund their education. Respondents said that the top reason they felt an international education was “worth it” was “to gain better knowledge/skills than at home,” followed by “obtaining a good job in a chosen field” and “earning more money.” The majority of respondents were from India.