Canada is a favoured destination for international college students and continues to grow in popularity. With so many top-ranked universities to choose from and diverse cultures to support people of different backgrounds, it’s no surprise that the Great White North is home to students from all over the world. The desire to study in Canada is prominent among Filipino scholars as well, who make up a big portion of international college students in Canada. Learn why students from the Philippines are coming to Canada for their university studies.
Reasons why Filipino students choose Canadian universities
Filipino students are making the jump to study outside of the Philippines, and many of them list Canada as their first choice. Here are some reasons why Filipino students choose to get their degrees from Canadian universities:
Growing Filipino population in Canada
With Filipino students being the second-largest group of international students in Canada,[1] it’s evident that lots of Filipino students are pursuing their studies here. And it’s not just students who are coming to Canada: As of 2023, approximately 950,000 Filipino-Canadians are thriving in our great country.[2] A large presence of Filipino people means there more opportunities to form connections with people who are familiar with your culture. Learn about the best Canadian cities for Filipino residents to help you find a school in your ideal location.
Opportunities for research
Canadian universities are known for their innovative research programs. Students from the Philippines pursuing research-intensive fields can find opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research and collaboration with leading scholars. Research opportunities will continue to grow, as Universities Canada and the Department of Science and Technology of the Philippines have recently signed a memorandum of understanding to further their relations regarding research and science.[3]
Opening doors to permanent residency
Filipino students studying in Canada can find more ways to obtain permanent residency after graduation. After completing their studies, many students have the option to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows them to work in Canada for up to three years. Students who attend a Canadian university for less than two years will be granted a PGWP that is equivalent to the time they study in Canada. This helps students gain work experience in Canada and can help them during the permanent residency application process.
Economic stability and career growth
Canada’s strong economy supports many jobs, which is another factor that appeals to international students from the Philippines. The country’s economic stability provides opportunities for future career growth. Additionally, Canadian student visas often come with work permits that allow students to work part time during their studies and full time during scheduled breaks.
Affordable tuition costs
Although Canadian universities cost more than schools in the Philippines, they are typically less expensive than schools in the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Even so, it helps to do some research on how to save money on your education abroad. Look into scholarship opportunities for international students to help you pay for your school expenses, and find tips on how to budget for student life in Canada before making the move.
Manage your life as a student in Canada
Learning in a new environment comes with plenty of challenges, but the benefits of studying in Canadian universities will help you in the long run. Use these tips on adjusting to life after relocating from the Philippines, and see how you can help the Filipino economy while living abroad. If you need to make a money transfer to the Philippines, you can use Western Union online platform or mobile app.
