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Graduate-level enrolments are expected to be around 2,400 or 35 per cent of total graduate population.

Even the province’s colleges are acknowledging the international trend.

Ron Horton, NorQuest chair of graduate studies, says overseas enrolments have jumped from fewer than 50 five years ago to an estimated 425 students this year.

“International education as a whole in Edmonton has grown and has become a priority for the college,” Horton says.

“Internationalization is important because the world is becoming more globalized and it’s important that students and staff have the capabilities to work well with each other.”

As is the case at many Canadian institutions, the majority of international students in Alberta focus on business and engineering, rather than degrees with difficult-to-transfer qualifications, like education or nursing.

And while Canadian students may choose a degree based on what they are interested in studying, international students always make the connection between study and income, says Britta Baron, the U of A’s international vice-provost.

“International students are very much motivated by career aspirations,” Baron says. “Programs that have an outlook on good career opportunities are always where international students are heading.”

As acclaimed as the Canadian education system has become, another reason students are interested in studying in the Great White North is that education has become a gateway to living in Canada.

While many point to Canada and Alberta’s strong academic reputation and its safe, open and multicultural society, of the four major English-speaking education markets of Canada, United States, Australia and the United Kingdom, Canada is the only one that makes post-study immigration accessible.

“Students know they have the option to work and live here after they complete their education,” says MacEwan’s Howard.

jgraney@postmedia.com

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