Atlantic Canada includes 4 provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island.
Here are some reasons why it's a great place to study:
Atlantic Canada is among the most affordable destinations for international students seeking a degree in Canada. Regional undergraduate tuition averages C$17,365 per year.* In addition to Atlantic Canada’s tuition advantage, other living expenses like rent and groceries are also usually more affordable in Atlantic regions.
Between 2020 and 2021, study permit approval rates have grown by 288% for Indian students, and 87% for Bangladeshi students. This shows great potential for permit approvals for students from other South Asian countries like Sri Lanka and Nepal.
Atlantic Canada offers a few pathway options to permanent residency, including the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), the Atlantic International Graduate Program, and the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP).
Study at universities that offer unique programs and advanced facilities. Some schools in Atlantic Canada offer co-op opportunities for students that will give them valuable work experience while still studying, and help them transform their career paths.
No matter what level of education you want to pursue, Atlantic Canada offers diverse and high-quality educational opportunities. Atlantic Canada is among the most affordable destinations for international students looking to obtain a degree in Canada. Tuition for undergraduate international studies across the Atlantic provinces averages approximately C$17,365 per year.* Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) This program is for individuals who Have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory. Want to live in that province, and ant to become permanent residents of Canada Each province and territory has its own “stream,” an immigration program open to certain groups, as ell as individual requirements. Here are the various PNPs for the Atlantic provinces:
Candidates must meet the program s minimum eligibility requirements, have a genuine offer of employment from a New Brunswick employer, and have the full intent to live and work in the province on a permanent basis. There are to streams in New Brunswick Express Entry:
New Brunswick Skilled Worker
New Brunswick Expressed Entry
Through the NSNP, prospective immigrant’s to have the skills and experience that are in demand in Nova Scotia may be nominated to immigrate. Students can consider occupations in demand, skilled workers, express entry, and other available streams.
To be nominated for permanent residency, applicants must meet certain criteria such as having a job or job offer, the ability to support themselves financially and the intent to reside in the province.
If you graduated from a publicly funded PEI post secondary institution, you can apply for a nomination for permanent residency through the International Graduate stream of the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP). The International Graduate stream is employer driven, allowing Island employers to fill positions that they are unable to fill through the local job market.
If you have a post-graduation work permit, you may be eligible for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP). This program allows employers to find qualified candidates like you, who they cannot find locally 3 Streams in the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program:
Atlantic High Skilled Program
Atlantic Intermediate Skilled Program
Atlantic International Graduate Program
Each of these programs require specific work experience, education, and language requirements, as well as a job offer. Graduates interested in the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program must receive a job offer from an employer designated by its respective provincial government to take part in the pilot. If you have studied in an Atlantic province, you may qualify for the Atlantic International Graduate Program. You may be eligible if:
You lived in an Atlantic province for at least 16 months
You should have graduated within the last 24 months before you apply
You have a valid immigration status in Canada
When you choose a university or college program with the objective of later applying to an Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program, do your research to see what skills will be in-demand when you finish. The required job should be in skill type/level 0, A, B, or C under the National Occupational Classification (NOC). This includes management jobs, professional jobs, technical and skilled trades, etc.
Transition into the Local Labour Market While studying or choosing to study in Canada, you may want to start thinking about your future job prospects in the Atlantic provinces. It s never too soon to establish key contacts and research open jobs that fit your skills. To help assess which programs will better prepare you for the labour market in the province you wish to reside in, most provinces break down the labour market priorities that are preferable for immigration pathways.