Manitoba Welcomes Record Number of International Students

International student enrolment in Manitoba increased by 17 per cent in 2018, with 18,725 students from 100 countries attending schools and post-secondary institutions throughout the province, Education and Training Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced today.

“In addition to adding to the quality and diversity of Manitoba, international students contribute more than $400 million to Manitoba’s gross domestic product and support over 4,250 jobs through the province,” said Goertzen.  “Our province is attracting record numbers of students thanks to high-quality educational institutions, affordable tuition and the Provincial Nominee Program.”

The minister noted the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) nominated 1,923 international graduates of Manitoba institutions for permanent residency in 2018.  This figure represents 37 per cent of total nominations, the largest number in the program’s history.
 
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, there was a 16 per cent increase in the number of study permit holders in Canada overall.  The minister noted this is the sixth consecutive year Manitoba has outpaced Canada’s growth and pointed to the launch of the MPNP’s attractiveness to international students in 2018 as a factor.

“The International Education Stream establishes clear and predictable immigration pathways for students who can make significant contributions to Manitoba’s labour market and economy,” said Goertzen.  “As a result, we are able to attract more international students, who bring diverse skills and talents to Manitoba that support our economy.”

The minister declared 2019 as the Year of International Education in Manitoba earlier this year, in recognition of Manitoba’s growing reputation as a destination of choice for international students.

Winnipeg is hosting annual conferences for three major associations this year including Languages Canada in February, the Canadian Association of Public Schools in April and the Canadian Bureau for International Education in November.