Study in Canada
Saskatchewan Celebrates International Education Week 2024
From November 18 to 22, 2024, Saskatchewan joins over 100 countries in recognizing International Education Week, highlighting the transformative power of cultural and academic exchange programs. This annual initiative underscores the province’s commitment to fostering global connections, promoting Saskatchewan as a top destination for international students to study, work, and live, and driving economic and cultural growth.
The Role of International Students in Saskatchewan
International students play a pivotal role in Saskatchewan’s educational landscape and economy:
In 2023-24, over 14,400 international students from 14+ countries, including India, Nigeria, China, and the Philippines, chose Saskatchewan for their academic pursuits.
These students contribute significantly by:
Enriching classrooms with global perspectives and cultural diversity.
Supporting academic programs and research initiatives through tuition.
Filling seats in under-enrolled programs at post-secondary institutions.
Additionally, Saskatchewan saw nearly 470 local students study abroad across 45 countries, fostering cross-cultural learning and expanding international ties.
International Education Strategy: A Global Impact
Saskatchewan’s International Education Strategy, launched in 2021, has achieved notable progress in strengthening the province’s global standing in education:
Training and Development Initiatives
- 476 ambassadors from 17 countries trained through the Saskatchewan Student Ambassador Program.
- 183 agents from 35 countries equipped through the Saskatchewan Agent Training Program.
- 177 practitioners gained expertise through the International Education Practitioner Program.
Partnerships and Collaborations
- Four Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed, enhancing ties between institutions for education exchange, research collaboration, and economic development.
- Saskatchewan institutions co-authored nearly 2,300 international publications and secured $44 million in international research funding in 2023.
Global Outreach
- Participation in over 50 international markets, focusing on student recruitment and partnership building.
- These efforts contribute to Saskatchewan’s global competitiveness while driving innovation and addressing pressing challenges both locally and globally.
A Positive Experience for Students
Saskatchewan offers a welcoming environment that equips students with the skills to thrive academically and professionally. International student alumnus Edwin Ta from the University of Regina shared his enriching journey:
“My student life here was extraordinary, filled with learning, networking, and participating in various events. These experiences not only prepared me for the job market but also allowed me to engage deeply with the community and build essential skills.”
To amplify these positive experiences, Saskatchewan has launched a new promotional video showcasing the benefits of studying in the province. This video will be utilized globally by education institutions, trade offices, and government officials to boost recruitment efforts and foster partnerships.
Economic Contributions of International Students
In 2022, international students contributed a remarkable $441.5 million to Saskatchewan’s GDP. These contributions extend beyond financial impact, enhancing the province’s Labour Market Strategy and aligning with its Growth Plan to meet long-term economic goals.
Despite these successes, the province faces challenges, including a decline in international student enrollment due to recent federal policies, such as study permit caps. Saskatchewan continues to advocate for better consultation on such changes while prioritizing efforts to attract and retain international students.
A Bright Future for International Education
As Saskatchewan celebrates International Education Week 2024, the province reaffirms its dedication to fostering global connections, empowering students, and driving innovation. For more information and to watch Saskatchewan’s new international recruitment video, visit studyinsask.ca.
