International student numbers up 20 per cent

NEWS/ EDUCATION — More international students than ever are choosing B.C., with latest figures showing a 20 per cent increase in international students and a 28 per cent increase in their direct spending.

According to figures released today (Friday) by the Ministry of Advanced Education, 112,800 international students attended public and private post-secondary institutions, elementary and secondary schools, and private language training schools in B.C. up from 94,000 in 2009-2010.

There are 1,725 international students from 85 countries studying at Thompson rivers University.

“Thompson Rivers University and Kamloops truly recognize the value of international education,” said Mike Henniger, international marketing and interim managing director, TRU World Global Operations.

“The connections our students from B.C. and across Canada make with their international counterparts start a lifetime of relationships that will lead to economic development and further global cultural understanding.”

International students spent $2.3 billion in B.C. on tuition, accommodation and other living expenses, arts and culture, and recreation.

The number of students coming to B.C. from India has increased by 188 per cent and from China by 68 per cent over the three-year period. B.C. also continues to attract students from other emerging markets, including Latin American countries such as Brazil, which increased by 65 per cent since 2009-10.

Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk said B.C. is on target to increase the number of international students by 50 per cent by 2016.