International Students Contribute Significantly to the Atlantic Economy
International students contributed $565 million to the Atlantic Canadian economy, in 2009-10, according to a new study released today, Sept. 16.
The Economic Impact of Post-Secondary International Students in Atlantic Canada was released by the Council of Atlantic Ministers of Education and Training (CAMET). In addition to their contributions to the region's economy, the study highlights that international students are a major source of potential immigrants for Atlantic Canada.
They also provide an immediate economic impact and return on investment in Atlantic Canada. The study determined that international students contributed $175 million of new money to the region's economy in 2009-10 and spent $2.68 of new money for every dollar spent by the provincial governments.
"We value the economic contribution of international students to our province," said Education Minister Marilyn More. "The province's new immigration strategy will identify recruitment of international graduates as a great way to tap into younger, well educated professionals who are already in Nova Scotia."
"The findings of this study support Newfoundland and Labrador's commitment to international education," said Darin King, Minister of Education for Newfoundland and Labrador. "The study also provides useful information for future consultations and decision-making among governments and stakeholders on attracting and retaining international graduates."
The Atlantic provinces are implementing strategic initiatives to attract and retain more immigrants to address demographic challenges associated with an aging population. The study states that international students think highly of Atlantic Canada, and are young, skilled, language proficient, and already integrated into local communities.
"International students provide a significant boost to Atlantic Canada's economy and generate millions in revenue," said Donald Arseneault, New Brunswick's Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour.
The study underlines the cultural contributions of international students, strengthening and enhancing Atlantic Canada's profile and ties to the world. It also indicates that the market for international students is becoming more competitive since students make choices based on costs and institutional reputation. Since 2006, the price competitiveness of Atlantic Canadian universities has improved and the number of international students in the region has increased steadily by about a third, with 40 per cent of students coming from China, the United States and India.
"Prince Edward Island's post-secondary institutions are world-class and our cost of living and quality of education and life are attractive to international students," said Allan Campbell, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning. "We are well positioned to attract more international students to our province and Atlantic Canada."
The study was commissioned by CAMET, in partnership with the Association of Atlantic Universities, the Atlantic Provinces Community College Consortium, and EduNova, and conducted by researchers at Dalhousie University's School of Public Administration. Fazley Siddiq was the principal investigator for the study and Warren C.E. Nethercote was the project manager.
During the winter term of 2009-10, the study used an on-line survey of international students registered and attending classes at Atlantic Canada's universities and community colleges. The survey addressed five main themes, including academic and living expenditures by international students, demographics and employment status, as well as future intentions to remain in Atlantic Canada.
To view the full report, visit www.camet-camef.ca. CAMET is an agency of the Council of Atlantic Premiers to enhance co-operation in public and post-secondary education in Atlantic Canada by working together to improve learning, optimize efficiencies and bring added value to provincial initiatives.