Canada is a premier destination for international students, offering ample job opportunities and attractive benefits. The country's job market is among the strongest globally, providing numerous high-paying positions across various industries. Provinces such as Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Saskatchewan are especially appealing for skilled professionals.

According to the Economic and Fiscal Overview by the Canadian Government, the Canadian economy is performing better than expected. Despite rapid and substantial increases in interest rates to tame inflation, growth has slowed but outperformed expectations in 2023. Canada avoided the recession predicted by many forecasters, with real GDP rising by 1.1 per cent in 2023, over three times higher than what was forecasted in Budget 2023 (0.3 per cent).

As per the data released by IRCC, in 2023, Canada's number of international students with active study permits rose to 1,040,985, a 29 per cent increase over 2022. Nearly 319,000 Indian students moved to Canada in the same year. With over 1 million job vacancies, Canada currently attracts talent from around the world. Major provinces like Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Alberta, as well as cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Calgary, offer numerous opportunities across key sectors.

Thriving Industries for International Students: Healthcare, Real Estate and STEM

Healthcare

The healthcare and social assistance sector has seen significant growth, driven by provincial investments in various healthcare roles, including mental health support for students and specialized care for seniors. Employment in this sector increased by 24,000 jobs (+2.4%) in May alone, marking a fourth consecutive monthly rise. This translates into promising career prospects for international students in fields like medicine, nursing, and social work.

These institutions offer excellent programs, cutting-edge research opportunities, and strong connections with leading hospitals and healthcare facilities.

- University of Toronto: Known for its world-class research and diverse medical programs, the University of Toronto provides extensive resources and clinical placements, equipping students with theoretical and practical knowledge.

- McGill University: McGill's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences boasts an innovative curriculum and a strong research focus. Its multicultural environment and ties to Montreal's top health institutions make it an ideal choice for international students.

- Mc’Master University: With a problem-based learning approach, McMaster's medical school fosters critical thinking and real-world problem-solving skills. Its Health Sciences program is consistently ranked among the best globally.

Real Estate and Rental And Leasing

The real estate, rental, and leasing sector contributed USD 52.81 billion to Ontario's GDP in 2023, reflecting a 2.5 per cent growth rate. Despite a minor employment dip in 2023, the industry has shown a positive five-year growth trend. Universities like the University of British Columbia, the University of Toronto, and the University of Alberta offer strong real estate and urban planning programs, preparing students for dynamic careers.

- University of British Columbia (UBC): UBC's Sauder School of Business offers comprehensive real estate programs covering licensing, trading services, and property management. The interdisciplinary approach combines business acumen with practical skills, making graduates highly sought after.

- University of Toronto: The university's Centre for Urban and Community Studies provides valuable urban development and planning insights. Students benefit from internships and co-op programs that offer real-world experience in the real estate market.

- University of Alberta: With strong ties to Alberta's real estate market, the University of Alberta's program focuses on sustainable development and advanced analytics, equipping students with the modern skills needed today.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

STEM fields are also booming in Canada, offering excellent opportunities for international students. In the latest STEM draw (2024–1), 4,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued, compared to 5,900 in the previous one in December 2023, Medium reported. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirement rose by 10 points to 491, indicating the competitive nature of these opportunities. Even a small improvement in CRS scores can significantly boost the chances of selection.

The University of Waterloo, Ontario Tech University, and the British Columbia Institute of Technology are among the top universities in STEM.

- University of Waterloo: Known for its strong engineering and technology programs, Waterloo provides students with co-op opportunities that integrate academic learning with real-world experience.

- Ontario Tech University: Located in Oshawa, Ontario Tech offers innovative engineering and applied sciences programs, preparing students for cutting-edge careers in technology.

- British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT): BCIT in Burnaby offers specialized programs in engineering, computing, and applied sciences, focusing on practical skills and industry connections.

International students can fully utilise these universities' strengths by participating in research projects, internships, and co-op programs related to their career goals. Networking with industry professionals through university events and career fairs can provide valuable connections and insights. Participating in extracurricular activities and student organizations related to their field can also enhance practical knowledge and leadership skills. Utilising the career services offered by these universities will help craft strong resumes and prepare for job interviews.