Canada has one of the top-ranked education systems in the world.
According to the Conference Board of Canada’s Education and Skills report card, an independent not-for-profit research organization, Canada’s education system currently ranks second only to Finland among 16 developed countries. The report card, which includes 20 indicators such as rate of high school and college completion, return on investment in tertiary education, and equity in learning outcomes, plainly states that Canada excels in delivering a high quality education when compared to our global competitors.
The Organization for Economic Development (OECD), in the report Education at a Glance 2013, similarly reports that Canada’s education system is one of the top in the world. More specifically, they report:
- Canada has the highest proportion of 25 to 64 year olds with tertiary education among OECD countries and the highest proportion of college graduates (25%)
- A higher percentage of Canadians (57% of 25 to 35 year olds) have tertiary education, which provides significant protection from unemployment
- The amount Canada spends per primary student ($8,933 US), secondary ($9,774 US), and tertiary student ($22,475 US) is higher than averages for the OECD and European countries
Canadian educational institutions welcome international students.
Many provide special services for international students, designed to assist them to integrate into the academic community and to help them throughout their stay. Most post-secondary institutions have a person to assist international students. He or she is the International or Overseas or Foreign Student Advisor, and works in the International Education Office or Department of Student Services. Most secondary schools which charge fees for international students offer the services of an International Student Advisor or similar counsellor. Students should make themselves known to the Advisor soon after arrival on campus and learn about orientation programs and other activities available through the Advisor`s office.
The figure at the top of the page shows the number of international students in Canada, and the significant growth of that number since 2001. Over the last eleven years, the number of international students in Canada has nearly doubled!
Many countries of the world are represented by international students in Canada. The map below shows where the more than 265,000 international students currently in Canada are from!
Canada’s brand, Education au/in Canada, is fast becoming well known around the world and represents the prominence and excellence of Canada’s education sector. Since its launch, the Imagine Education au/in Canada brand has become the window through which international students view Canada and the umbrella under which Canadian institutions recruit foreign students. However, the brand is more than just a recruitment tool. Those institutions authorized to use the brand consistently provide high quality education programs, deal with international students in accordance with recognized codes of practice, and are subject to quality-assurance mechanisms that monitor adherence to set standards. The brand, therefore, encompasses a pan-Canadian strategy on international education and a philosophy about standards of quality and service.
Want to know more about education in Canada? Click on the links below!
- The best secondary school system in the world
- Top quality, affordable post-secondary education
- Language learning opportunities that will put you on the path to success
- Globally competitive research opportunities
- Services for international students
- Why do international students choose to study in Canada?
So the next time someone asks “Why Canada?”, you can respond…
…because Canada offers the first class education that will allow me to compete in the global economy.
…because I want to be increase my knowledge and develop the skills that will allow me to make a positive impact in my home country and globally.
…because I want to feel supported throughout my education experience.
…because I want to explore my research interests at one of the many top universities in the world located in Canada.
…because I want to have the experience of a lifetime while working towards my career goals.
(Source: Invest in Canada)