Factor Contributing to Increased International Enrollment in Canadian K-12 Education System in 2022/23

Canada’s K-12 international enrollment in the 2022/23 academic year has rebounded to more than 80% of what it was before the pandemic. This represents a positive trend for the recovery of international student enrollment in Canada’s public K-12 education system. Canada’s education sector has witnessed the challenges of the pandemic with remarkable resilience. The country’s educational institutions and policymakers have worked hard to create an environment that is conducive to international student enrollment. The restored trust in Canadian education can be seen in the numbers, which are close to pre-covid levels. This resurgence not only confirms Canada’s status as an attractive study destination but also underlines the country’s determination to remain a global education leader. Let’s take a look at some of the factors that contribute to the recovery of Canada's K-12 education.

1. Number of International Enrollment in Canada K-12 Public Schools 

As per Canada Education News, in 2022/23, Canadian K-12 schools enrolled a total of 33,000 international students. The total includes nearly 29,000 in longer-term programs for up to a year, and 4,500 were in short-term programs for less than a semester. This data is according to the latest survey of members by the Canadian Association of Public Schools - International (CAPS-I), which shows a 15% increase in longer-term enrolment and 88% in the short-term. Furthermore, CAPS-I now includes more French-language schools.

Source: CAPS-I Survey

1.1 Long-Term Programmes

China continues to be Canada’s largest source of long-term programme enrollment, sending more students than in 2021/22, although it is still a much smaller contributor compared to previous years. As per Canada education news, in 2022/23, half of the top 20 countries sent more students than they had in the years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The top 20 countries are Germany, Italy, Spain, Hong Kong, Thailand, Belgium, France, Switzerland, the United States and Chile.

Source: CAPS-I Survey

1.2 Short Terms Programmes

Japan has long been Canada’s largest source country for short-term K-12 enrollment. However, in 2022/23, Colombia overtook Japan as Canada’s top source country. Year-on-year, Canada’s short-term enrollment growth remains low. However, short-term enrolment from key markets such as Japan, China, and South Korea, as well as Mexico, has not recovered to pre-covid levels.  Moreover, Thailand and France are now sending much more students than they did in 2019/20.

Source: CAPS-I Survey

‍2. Distribution of Students

The majority of international K–12 students are hosted by British Columbia and Ontario, much like in the higher education sector. In these provinces, the majority of students are enrolled in long-term programmes. Long-term and short-term enrollments are more evenly distributed in other provinces, though they still outnumber the latter in Saskatchewan, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

3. Canada as Attractive Educational Hub

The resurgence of enrollment highlights the appeal of Canadian education globally. Canada is a top choice for overseas students due to its dedication to maintaining high standards of education as well as its reputation for loyalty and safety. Moreover, Canada's education system comes with its unique academic, cultural and career opportunities promoting students' aspirations.

In conclusion, above are various factors that contributed to the foreign enrolment in Canadian K–12 schools and it  has recovered to over 80% of pre-pandemic levels in 2022–2023. Canada's education landscape is evidence of its adaptability, durability, and attraction. In the midst of persistent global crises, Canada emerges as a ray of stability and academic excellence. Overall, this resurgence is a positive indicator of Canada's education sector and its attractiveness to international students.