Universities welcome report on economic impact of international students

OTTAWA – Attracting international students to Canada has an economic impact of close to $8 billion in spending and creates 81,000 jobs in this country. Those figures were part of a federal government report released July 27 on the overall economic impact of international students in Canada — benefits that include the generation of more than $445 million in government revenue. Spending by international students has increased by $1.5 billion since 2008.

“This significant economic impact is one of the many reasons that attracting outstanding international students benefits Canada,” says Christine Tausig Ford, vice-president of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. “These students enrich our university campuses with their cultures, languages and unique perspectives. Along with study-abroad experiences, learning and living alongside students from around the world helps Canadian students gain the kind of global knowledge and awareness that is so highly valued by today’s employers.”

The updated report on the economic impact of international education in Canada was released by the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, at the University of British Columbia on July 27. It shows that the total amount spent by international students in Canada is more than the value of a number of important industries, including our export of wheat to other countries. The report also shows that these economic benefits are realized by communities across Canada, not only major urban centres.

“Canada’s universities welcome the release of this report, which reinforces the value of international education in building jobs and prosperity in Canada,” says Ms. Tausig Ford. She added that Canada’s universities will continue to partner with education groups, governments and the private sector to position Canada as a destination of choice for top international students. The university community also looks forward to the upcoming report of the federal government’s Advisory Panel on Canada’s International Education Strategy, expected to be released shortly. The panel’s recommendations will provide valuable direction for the development and implementation of a renewed Canadian approach to international education.

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Read the report : Economic Impact of International Education in Canada – An Update

For more information or interview opportunities:

Helen Murphy
Communications Manager
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada
hmurphy@aucc.ca
613-563-1236 ext. 238