International Students

The issue

Enriching the university experience

When classrooms and labs are enriched by people and ideas from around the world, we all benefit. Not only do international students broaden Canadian students’ perspectives, they also create mutually beneficial economic, diplomatic and cultural ties with Canada.

The immediate impacts on our communities are significant too. International students inject $6.5 billion annually into our economy and provide jobs for more than 83,000 Canadians.

Our universities are increasing their efforts to attract and retain more international students. AUCC has partnered with four other national associations to lead and coordinate international recruitment marketing activities.

Canadian universities also promote study abroad for Canadian students with the aim of shaping them into global citizens. In spite of universities’ efforts, fewer than three in 100 Canadian students take advantage of these international programs. AUCC is working with the federal government and other partners to find solutions to the barriers facing Canadian students in accessing more international opportunities.

How international students contribute to our communities:

To learn more on how international students contribute to the well-being of our communities and our campuses, click on the topics below:

• Economic impact
• Enriching our communities
• Immigration source
• Canada’s future ties

What we are saying

2010/08/12	Canada’s universities: Contributing to a better future (pdf) Our pre-budget submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance
2010/06/29	AUCC President signs MOU to establish Canadian Consortium on International Education Marketing.
2010/05/13	Vanier Scholarships: Rewarding Excellence, Fostering Innovation, Strengthening Canada.
2010/04/21	Notes for a Presentation to The Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade (pdf)
2010/01/26	Recruiting International Students in India: A Good Practices Guidebook (pdf)
2009/11/25	Building a competitive advantage for Canada (pdf)
2009/11/11	It’s time to maximize benefits from international students. Op-ed published in Embassy newspaper.
2009/08/14	Universities Matter: How Canada’s universities contribute to economic recovery and long-term prosperity (pdf)
2009/04/30	Flagship federal scholarship names first recipients
2008/04/23	AUCC welcomes improvements to Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
2008/02/26	Federal budget announces important investments in developing and attracting talent
2008/02/26	The key to meeting Canada's crucial skills challenge Op-ed by AUCC and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce published in the Globe and Mail
2008/02/25	Canada needs more grad students if we are to remain competitive AUCC op-ed published in the Montreal Gazette