Nigeria has established itself as a major source of international students in Canada, ranking fourth among countries seeking study permits. This information comes from a recent report on the economic impact of international education in Canada, highlighting the growing importance of Nigerian students in the Canadian education landscape.
The report reveals that study permits from Nigeria, along with those from India, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Colombia, collectively contributed a substantial $30.9 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2022. This figure represents 1.2% of Canada’s total GDP for that year, underscoring the significant economic impact of international students.
Canada’s international student population has seen remarkable growth in recent years. From 2016 to 2022, the number of international students in Canada surged by 61%, rising from 523,971 to 844,444. This increase reflects Canada’s growing attractiveness as a destination for international education.
The economic contributions of these students are significant. In 2022, international students spent approximately $37.3 billion on tuition, accommodation, and other discretionary items, even after accounting for Canadian scholarships and bursaries. This spending supported around 246,310 jobs in Canada and generated $7.4 billion in tax revenue.
The report emphasizes the importance of international education in globalizing the Canadian economy, allowing it to thrive in a rapidly changing and competitive global environment. It includes data on both long-term students at schools, colleges, and universities, as well as short-term students.
Notably, 2022 saw the highest number of long-term international students in Canada, following a dip in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions. The overall spending by international students more than doubled between 2016 and 2022, increasing from $15.5 billion to $37.3 billion, representing an annual growth rate of 15.7%.
This trend of growth in international student numbers is not new. Previous reports published in 2008, 2010, 2014, 2015, and 2016 all documented consistent increases in overseas student populations in Canada.
Out of the total 844,444 international students in Canada in 2022, the vast majority – 769,515 – were classified as long-term students. This indicates a strong preference for extended study programs among international students, including those from Nigeria.
Nigeria’s position as the fourth-largest source of study permit applications to Canada highlights the growing educational ties between the two countries. It also reflects the increasing desire among Nigerian students to pursue international education opportunities, particularly in Canada.
This trend has implications not only for Canada’s education sector but also for Nigeria’s human capital development. As more Nigerian students gain international education experience, they bring back valuable skills and knowledge that can contribute to Nigeria’s growth and development.
For Canada, the arrival of Nigerian students, alongside others from around the world, enriches cultural diversity and boosts economic growth. It solidifies Canada’s status as a premier choice for global education.
As this trend continues, it is likely that the educational and cultural ties between Nigeria and Canada will further deepen, potentially leading to increased cooperation in other areas such as trade, technology, and cultural exchange.
