Study in Canada
International Student Graduates in Canada: Employment Trends and Income Insights
International students play a key role in Canada’s economy, contributing both academically and professionally. According to a recent study by Statistics Canada, 88.6% of international student graduates from 2020 who remained in Canada were employed by 2023. This figure highlights their significant participation in the workforce.
However, when compared to their Canadian peers, who boast a 91.0% employment rate, international graduates face a slightly tougher transition from school to work. The gap becomes more noticeable at higher education levels:
- Bachelor’s Degree Holders: 84.5% employment rate for international graduates vs. 91.9% for Canadian graduates.
- Master’s Degree Holders: 91.3% for international graduates vs. 94.6% for Canadians.
- Doctoral Graduates: 90.6% for international students vs. 94.2% for Canadian counterparts.
Interestingly, at the college level, there’s no significant employment gap, indicating better integration for diploma holders.
Job Matching Disparities: A Growing Concern
One critical aspect affecting international student graduates is job matching—whether their roles align with their qualifications. The data reveals:
- Bachelor’s Degree Holders: Only 36.6% of international graduates work in jobs requiring a university degree, compared to 58.8% of Canadian graduates.
- Master’s Degree Holders: Similar trends, with fewer international graduates securing roles matching their education level.
In contrast, college diploma and doctoral graduates show parity with Canadian peers, suggesting that job mismatch issues primarily affect mid-level academic qualifications.
Income Gaps Persist Across Education Levels
International student graduates consistently report lower median annual incomes compared to Canadian graduates. For instance:
| Education Level | International Graduates | Canadian Graduates | Income Gap |
| Bachelor’s Degree | $52,000 | $65,200 | -20.2% |
| Master’s Degree | Lower than Canadian peers | Higher earnings | Notable gap |
A significant factor behind this gap is job distribution. International graduates are over three times more likely to work in sales and service roles (30.6%) compared to Canadian graduates (9.5%).
Job Satisfaction: A Positive Outlook Despite Challenges
Despite income disparities and job mismatches, international graduates report comparable levels of job satisfaction and perceived job security:
- Job Satisfaction: 81.0% for international graduates vs. 82.0% for Canadians.
- Job Security: 75.8% for international graduates vs. 79.1% for Canadian counterparts.
However, salary satisfaction remains a concern, with only 48.7% of international bachelor’s graduates satisfied with their earnings, compared to 58.0% of Canadians.
The Road Ahead for International Student Graduates in Canada
International student graduates are vital to the Canadian economy, contributing significantly to its workforce. While they achieve high employment rates, challenges persist in job matching, income disparities, and salary satisfaction. Addressing these issues can enhance Canada’s appeal as a top destination for international talent and improve the long-term integration of these graduates into the Canadian economy.
