Retention of International Students

Current Situation

The gross number of international post-secondary students transitioning to permanent residency had been increasing since 2015 but decreased temporarily in 2020 due to the global pandemic. In 2019 roughly 1,355 former international students chose to stay in Nova Scotia post-graduation, representing 12.8% of the international student body at the time. This rate dropped to 7.1% in 2020 and then leapt up to 36.5% in 2021. Even with an increase in the number of international students choosing to study in Nova Scotia in recent years, the overall retention rate has risen considerably. The retention rate increased from a low of 3.4% in 2015 to the current high of 36.5% in 2021, reaching and far exceeding the target set out in the OneNS Report. Despite a global pandemic, both the number of international students attending post-secondary institutions in Nova Scotia and the number who choose stay after graduation are at or near record highs.

What This Means

A growing number of potential economic migrants are being attracted to study at Nova Scotia’s post-secondary institutions. More of them are also choosing to stay and build a life here. Despite the temporary disruption of a global pandemic, the number of students choosing Nova Scotia remains above historic norms. This is an opportunity to help combat the province’s demographic and economic challenges. As the number of enrolments rise, retention efforts can expand to accommodate the larger volume of potential economic migrants.

Deep Dive

Read more detailed information about this goal by clicking 'Deep Dive'

Retention of International Students Deep Dive