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July 2017 2017 International Graduate Study The Graduate Experience ~ One Year Later
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July 2017
2017 International Graduate StudyThe Graduate Experience ~ One Year Later
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Introduction
Atlantic Canada has more than 14,000 international students attending post‐secondary institutions each year
With declining population and youth outmigration facing the region, these students could present one solution for the region
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Background
2016 Graduate Survey• In March 2016, email invitations were distributed by institutions to all students scheduled to graduate
• A total of 4,643 surveys were received (21 of 22 institutions involved)
• Of those, 468 (10%) were international students
• What was their experience following graduation?
• Were they interested in staying in Atlantic Canada? What were their initial plans following graduation and how did they change?
• What influenced international graduates’ ability to stay within the region and what might help them stay?
• Were they aware of any programs to assist international graduates?
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Research Methodology
2017 International Graduate Study• Email invitations distributed to 448 international students• 145 (32%) responded, of which only 102 actually graduated in 2016
• 102 graduates completed the 2017 online study• Field dates: June 1‐17, 2017
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Respondent Profile
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College grads17%
University grads83%
Provinceof Study
9%
50%
12%29%
18‐24 25+
36% 64%
Age
vs. 57% Female43% Male
19% China10% USA7% Nigeria6% India
3% Saudi Arabia3% Iran3% Egypt
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Perceptions of Atlantic Canada
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Experience as a Student
International graduates describe an overwhelmingly positive experience during their studies in Atlantic Canada.
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Compared to other parts of Canada,is Atlantic Canada…?
Better
About the sameWorse
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How Does Atlantic Canada Compare?
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Yes, andstay in Atlantic
Canada
70%
Yes, andstay in Atlantic
Canada
70%
Don’tknow/
Uncertain
11%
Don’tknow/
Uncertain
11%
No5%No5%
Yes
85%
Yes,but live outside Atlantic Canada
15%
Yes,but live outside Atlantic Canada
15%
The vast majority of international graduates wanted the opportunity to stay in Atlantic Canada and become a permanent Canadian citizen.
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Initial Plans Post‐Graduation
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Initial Plans
Stay In Canada(outside AC)
Stay In Canada(outside AC)
16%16% Outside CanadaOutside Canada
10%10%
Stay In Atlantic Canada
65%65%
29%21%
8%6%
10%Were unsure
A clear majority of international graduates initially planned to remain in Atlantic Canada.
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• Too small/Want larger city
54%
• Lack of job opportunities
58%
• Cost of living
Post‐Graduation Plans
• Great place to raise a family• Quality of life
52%48%47%65%
Wanted to stayin Atlantic Canada
26%
Wanted to leaveAtlantic Canada
Top 3 Reasons
• To be near friends/family
50%
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Post‐Graduation Plans
74%74% Work in fieldof study
7%7%
17%17%
2%2%
Look for any typeof employment
Start own business
Pursue furthereducation
PlansPlans83%
planned to enter the workforce
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Where are they now?
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UnitedUnitedStates6% Other
Country12%
OtherCountry12%
Canada(outside
AC)
19%
Canada(outside
AC)
19%
AtlanticCanada64%
AtlanticCanada64%
NS29%
NB21%
PE8%
NL6%
83% Stayed in Canada
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Post‐Graduation Plans vs. Reality
International graduates’ intentions are generally aligned with their final choice of where to live.
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Post‐Graduation Plans vs. Reality
vs.PlansHopedto Be
PlansHopedto Be
RealityCurrently Reside
RealityCurrently Reside
In Canada(outside AC)
In Canada(outside AC)
16%16%
In Atlantic Canada
65%65%
Outside CanadaOutside Canada
10%10%
64%64%
29%21%
8%6%
10% Didn’t know or were unsure of plans
19%19% 18%18%
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A Change in Plans …
23%
Changed their plans following graduation 35% No jobs in my field
25% Couldn’t find a job
13% Pursued further education
13% Returned home
9% Moved to a different location/province
4% Other
Why?
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Post‐Graduation Plans vs. Reality
16%16%
11%11%Not currently employed/Looking for work
50%50% Employed FTin field of study
20%20%
3%3%
Employed FT ‐not in field of study
Started own business
RealityReality
74%74% Work in fieldof study
7%7%
17%17%
2%2%
Look for any typeof employment
Start own business
Pursue furthereducation
PlansPlans
83%
planned to enterthe workforce
Went back to school
73%
currently employedvs.
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79% Currently employed
... and the vast majority of those who stayed in the region are employed.
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Remain in Atlantic Canada
78%
Of those living outside the region would have stayed in Atlantic Canada if
they had an attractive job offer
in their field
14% Higher salary/compensation
8% Easier immigrationprocess
Top 3Would Have Encouraged Staying
36%currently live outside of Atlantic Canada
22% Good employment/Promising career
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Don’tknow/
Uncertain14%
Don’tknow/
Uncertain14%
Barriers to Staying in Atlantic Canada
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Assistance Programs
There is limited awareness of the various support programs to assist international graduates.
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Assistance Programs for Starting Own Business
24%
Are aware of programs that assist new graduates in starting their own
businesses
66%
Are not aware
11%
Are unsure
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Atlantic Immigration Pilot Project
Continued efforts are needed to build awareness of the AIPP, given the clear interest in the program.
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Assistance Programs for Obtaining Residency
43% Provincial Nominee
Program
16%Atlantic Pilot Program
24%24% Didn’t know orcould not recall
36%
Are aware of programs that assist
international students in
obtaining residency in Canada following
graduation
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Atlantic Immigration Pilot Project
43%
Are aware of the Atlantic Immigration
Pilot Project 59%Would be
interested in the pilot program
Only1% Applied for permanent
residency through the pilot project
…but
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Atlantic International Graduate Program
Despite interest in the AIPP, grads are not familiar with its application
requirements
Despite interest in the AIPP, grads are not familiar with its application
requirements
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Atlantic International Graduate Program
Grads are likely to apply to the pilot project
Grads are likely to apply to the pilot project
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Atlantic Immigration Pilot Project
74% AGREE
The AIPP will positivelyimpact international
students’ ability to stay in Atlantic Canada following
graduation
9% Did not agree
18% Didn’t know
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Final Thoughts…
• International graduates describe an overwhelmingly positive experience in Atlantic Canada.
• International graduates are keenly interested in remaining in Atlantic Canada following graduation – most want the opportunity to become a permanent Canadian citizen.
• International graduates want to enter the workforce immediately following their graduation.
• There is limited awareness of various support programs for new international new graduates.
• The Atlantic Immigration Pilot is deemed a Program that will positively impact international graduates’ ability to remain in Atlantic Canada following graduation.
• Interest is high, but awareness is low. Continued efforts are needed to build awareness of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Project.
Methodology: 102 online surveys with international 2016 post‐secondary graduates of Atlantic Canadian institutions: June 1 to 17, 2017
Respondent Profile
College grads17%
University grads83%
43% Male vs. 57% Female
Province of Study
Reasons to leaveTop 3
Lack of job opportunities 58%Too small/Want larger city 54%To be near friends/family 50%
2017 International Graduate StudyKey Highlights
Reasons to stayTop 3
Cost of living 52%Great place to raise family 48%
Quality of life 47%
Experience as a Student in Atl CdaFelt welcomed (94%)Enjoyed time (92%)Made close friends (84%)People of same culture (79%)Would like to live/work in Atl Cda (77%)
Programming Support
74%Believe AIPP will positively
impact international graduates’ ability to stay in Atl Cda
43%Of international graduates, had heard (aided) of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP)...however only
1% Applied to AIPP
1% Applied to AIPP
65%Of international graduates hoped to stay in Atl Cdafollowing graduation
�59%Of international graduates express interest in the AIPP
�59%Of international graduates Identify a lack of employment opportunities as the greatest barrier to staying in the region
Plans vs. Reality
83% 89%Planned to enter the workforce upon graduationAtlantic
Canada 64%
Atlantic Canada 64%
Where are they now?83% stayed in Canada
78% Of those who left Atl Cda would have stayed for an attractive job offer
73% 79%Are currently employed
3%3%50%50%
20%20%
Underemployed
In field of study
Entrepreneurs
2%2%52%52%
25%25%
In field of study
EntrepreneursUnderemployed
All GradsGrads in Atl Cda
All GradsGrads in Atl Cda
All GradsGrads in Atl Cda
11% 9% Currently unemployed/
Looking
All GradsGrads in Atl Cda
Canada(outside
AC)19%
Canada(outside
AC)19%
Other Country18%
Other Country18%
36%
Of international graduates are aware of any programs aimed at helping them obtain permanent residency in Canada following graduation (unaided)
