Canadian colleges have experienced a major increase in international student enrollments in recent
years. The growth in the number of international students is most pronounced in Ontario, which is
the only province in Canada where more international students have been enrolling in colleges
than universities since the 2018/19 academic year. Colleges in Ontario are, thus, playing increasing
roles in shaping education migration pathway, educating future labour force, and shaping
internationalization policies and practices in Canada. However, there are growing concerns about
the social and economic challenges facing international students and the roles of colleges in
addressing these issues and supporting international students.
Within this recent context, this study is a timely effort to produce theoretical and empirical insights
into the barriers international college students face while transitioning from study to work and
temporary to permanent status. The study aims to achieve three objectives: to understand the
challenges and needs of international students enrolled in Toronto-area colleges, to learn about the
policies and programs of colleges to support international students and to provide
recommendations to enhance the service infrastructure for international students.
Note: This report is funded and published by the Intergovernmental Committee for Economic and Labour Force Development (https://www.icecommittee.org/)
Here is the link for the full report:
