Ottawa: Canada now holds the fourth highest spot as receiver of post-secondary international students after the US, UK and China, surpassing Australia and France.

As of December 31, 2017 there are now 494,525 international students in Canada. This number from Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is an increase of 20% over 2016 and is particularly significant in that it surpasses Canada’s International Education Strategy goal of 450,000 international students in Canada by 2022, five years ahead of schedule.

‘This number representing all levels of Canadian education clearly demonstrates the continuing attractiveness of Canada as a study destination,’ said Karen McBride, President and CEO of CBIE. Our research shows that international students choose Canada because of the quality of the Canadian education system and our reputation as a safe and tolerant country. This reputation is especially attractive now, given a changing global climate, and 95% of international students tell us they would recommend Canada to family and friends. Moreover, the strong focus of our member institutions across the country on effectively supporting international students is a hallmark of Canada’s approach, one that we continually strive to improve. ’

The top three fastest growing countries of origin from 2016-2017 were: Vietnam (+89%); India (+63%) and Iran (+45%). China remains the top sending country overall representing 28% of inbound students followed by India having almost doubled with 25% and South Korea a distant third with 5%.

The total number of post-secondary students in Canada is 370,975, a 20% jump over December 31, 2016 (308,745). Canada now holds the fourth highest spot as receiver of post-secondary international students after the US, UK and China, surpassing Australia and France.