The number of international students enrolled in Canadian universities grew by 7% in 2009, according to data from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).
This increase is said to be part of the Canadian government’s strategy to meet the country’s short, medium and long-term needs and offset the ageing population and low birth rate.
According to CIC, on 1 December, there were nearly 200,000 international students enrolled in all ten provinces.
“The number of foreign students who came to Canada grew by 7% last year, resulting in the highest number of foreign students ever admitted to Canada. To be a more innovative society able to compete and prosper in a global, knowledge-based economy, Canada needs people with an international outlook, skills and experience. Attracting more international students is a priority for our government,” commented Jason Kenny, Minister for Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism.
