Provincial governments asked to include career colleges on lists of eligible institutions to receive international students

Ottawa, July 24, 2012

The National Association of Career Colleges (NACC) supports the Canadian government's efforts to tighten up rules related to international students. The changes should offer more protection to international students, ensuring that those who obtain study permits enter Canada for the purpose of study.

The proposed new rules would also ensure that schools hosting international students are legitimate institutions.

The federal government will work with provincial governments to create a list of educational institutions eligible to host international students.

NACC applauds the federal government's review and calls on provincial governments to include private career colleges in their list of eligible institutions. This would allow international students to continue to benefit from the hands-on training offered by Canada’s career colleges.

"An education that is good enough for a Canadian student should be good enough for an international student,” said Serge Buy, Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Career Colleges. “Governments must stand by their regulations and allow regulated career colleges to help increase the number of international students coming to Canada which will result in more money in our economy."

Career colleges receive no government funding and are highly regulated, generally more so than their public counterparts, ensuring that students receive a quality education leading to meaningful jobs.

Career colleges have existed since the 1800s in Canada.  Millions of students have graduated in hundreds of colleges across the country. Students at career colleges learn a wide range of skills that prepare them for exciting careers in various sectors, such as the trades, information technology, health care and business.

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For further information, please call Serge Buy, CEO of NACC, 613-720-1777.