Growing Numbers of International Students at Postsecondary Institutions
According to The Canada Immigration Newsletter, the number of international postsecondary students have been increasing with some post-secondary institutions “calling for more,” as the number of international students at Canadian colleges and universities permits the expansion of programs through additions to the funding of the universities.
Canada has made it easier for international students with programs such as the Student Direct Stream, or SDS, which allowed students from Morocco, Pakistan, and Senegal to pursue their educations with more ease, including students from China, India, the Philippines, and Vietnam receiving study permits within 20 days.
The President of Universities Canada, Paul Davidson, said, “It’s really important for the future of Canada that we continue to increase the number of international students and that they have positive experiences and contribute to the Canadian economy and Canadian society.”
Indeed, many students seek permanent status after the completion of their educations. Based on information from the Canadian Bureau for International Education or CBIE, 60% of the international students who complete their educations within Canada intend to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Cuts to Alberta’s Postsecondary Education Becomes Reality
GlobalNews stated that the new funding most for the postsecondary institutions in Alberta have ties to some performance measures. In that, if a college or university, potentially, fails to meet some performance criteria, then the funding may be reduced or cut.
Demetrios Nicolaides, Advanced Education Minister, said that up to and including 15% of the operational funding for the postsecondary institutions in Alberta will be linked to enrolment and graduation rates, and then the filling of the job market needs. This is by April, 2020. By 2022, the number is expected to move up to 40%.
“We can build a stronger post-secondary system… that ensures young Albertans can find rewarding careers (and) a stronger system that ensures taxpayer dollars are being used to support teaching and research instead of growing administration.” Nicolaides stated.
He noted how the model is being used in the United States, Hong Kong, and some European countries at the moment. He further commented on how many leaders and policymakers are looking at the relationship between government funding and the labour-market outcomes of colleges and universities, which comes down to remaining “competitive.”
Athabasca University Launches PowerED™
“The addition of PowerED™ signals an exciting new chapter of accessible, life-long learning at Athabasca University. PowerED™ provides learners with opportunities to enhance their competencies with relevant, professional development learning, while earning credentials other than a formal degree,” said Dr. Neil Fassina, Athabasca University President, in a recent press release.
The goal of PowerED is to make individuals and organizations more able to quickly develop the skills needed for them. PowerED™ offers online and innovative professional development certificates ad courses suitable for the modern complex business environment.
With an unprecedented rate of transformation of jobs by “technological changes, demographic changes and economic challenges in the workplace,” CEOs may find and workers will find great utility in the opportunities available through PowerED™.