INT’L STUDENTS WILL BE ALLOWED TO TRAVEL TO CANADA

Universities, colleges and language schools will soon be able to welcome thousands of new international students to Canada, even if many will still be studying primarily online.

The decision to open the border to new pupils, announced by the federal government Friday, provides a significant boost to the $22-billion international education sector, beset by financial uncertainty since border restrictions were enacted in March to deal with the pandemic.

For universities and colleges, the prospect of offering a Canadian experience enhances their appeal in a competitive global market for international students, and sends an important signal about Canada’s commitment to one of the groups it targets as a source of immigrants.

Universities, colleges and language schools must obtain provincial government approval for each institution’s plan to quarantine students for 14 days, otherwise they will not be allowed to enter the country. 

The list of institutions that have already been approved has not been made public, but more are expected to apply now that the window has opened.