A Fairer Path for International Students: Is It Time for Change?
- Cyberwatch UNLTD
- Aug 23
- 3 min read
International students play a crucial role in the Canadian educational system and economy. But are they being treated fairly in return? Despite their significant contributions—through high tuition fees, taxes, and spending—many international students find themselves navigating a system that seems to offer little in return. As they pay a premium for their education, are they getting the support and opportunities they need to succeed?
Why Do International Students Pay More, But Get Less?
International students often face tuition fees that are three to four times higher than local students. While these fees help subsidize the education of domestic students, is it fair that international students, who are contributing to the economy through taxes, rent, and part-time work, don’t see a more direct benefit? Could universities be more transparent about how these fees are used? If international students are paying more, should there be a clearer, more direct connection between their fees and the services they receive?
Universities often cite the revenue from international students as essential for maintaining programs and facilities, but do these students see a proportional return on their investment? Many feel that despite paying a premium, they are left to figure things out on their own—struggling to find internships, co-op programs, or career support that would help them transition into the workforce.
Are International Students Really Just "Temporary Residents"?
The government's approach to international students often views them as temporary residents, here to benefit from the education system and then return home. But isn’t that view outdated? Many international students don’t just come to Canada to study—they come with the intention of staying, contributing to the workforce, and eventually becoming permanent residents. Doesn’t it make sense to adjust the narrative and recognize that these students are potential long-term contributors to the economy?
If Canada relies on immigration to fill workforce gaps and boost the economy, shouldn’t international students, who are already here and actively contributing, be seen as an essential part of this growth? Rather than treating them as “temporary” residents, could the government be more proactive in creating pathways that allow them to stay and build their future in Canada?
Why Are Job Opportunities for International Students So Hard to Access?
International students often face the challenge of needing “Canadian experience” to land a job, but how can they gain that experience if they can’t get hired in the first place? If employers are looking for Canadian work experience, why aren’t there more programs that allow international students to gain that experience during their studies?
Despite their qualifications, many international students find it difficult to access internships or co-op placements because of visa restrictions or a lack of employer willingness to hire them. Shouldn’t there be more collaboration between universities, employers, and the government to create accessible work experiences that truly align with students’ fields of study?
If international students are paying higher tuition fees, shouldn’t there be a corresponding effort to connect them to opportunities that will help them gain the Canadian experience needed to succeed in their careers?
Are the Pathways to Permanent Residency Fair?
While programs like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) exist, many international students still face barriers in transitioning from study to permanent residency. The current system is often complicated, competitive, and opaque—leaving students unsure of their future in Canada. If the ultimate goal for many international students is to contribute to Canada long-term, should there be a clearer, more streamlined pathway to permanent residency?
Why not create a system that helps international students, who have already invested in their education and integrated into Canadian life, stay in the country? A more direct pathway to PR would not only benefit international students but would also help Canada retain skilled workers who are already prepared to contribute to the economy.
Isn’t It Time for a Change?
Given the critical role international students play in Canada’s academic and economic landscape, shouldn’t the system reflect a more balanced approach? Rather than continuing to charge higher tuition fees without providing clear, tangible benefits, could universities and the government work together to ensure that international students have access to career development, job opportunities, and fair pathways to permanent residency?
If Canada is going to continue to rely on international students as part of its workforce and immigration strategy, shouldn’t the system support their long-term success in a way that feels fair and just?
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