Colombia, Chile, and Peru: International Education Market Updates, Trends, and Developments
Want to learn more about the International Education markets in Colombia, Chile, and Peru?
On October, 1, join Trade Commissioners from Global Affairs Canada as they go over current market intelligence, key data, trends, developments, opportunities, and issues currently impacting the education sector in the region.
The panel will discuss challenges and opportunities specific to each region as well as the impact of COVID-19 on international mobility of students. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A.
Key Takeaways:
- Develop a better understanding of the education market in Colombia, Chile, and Peru with key data on student mobility and a regional market overview.
- Education and business during COVID-19 – learn about current developments impacting the education sector in Colombia, Chile, and Peru, including international mobility.
- Post COVID-19 trends and opportunities – identify possible partnership opportunities and market strategies in the education sectors in Colombia, Chile, and Peru.
Presenters:
- Magali Boffet, Education Trade Commissioner, Embassy of Canada, Colombia
- Priscilla López, Academic Affairs Coordinator, Embassy of Canada, Chile
- Diego Urbina Fletcher, Trade Commissioner, Embassy of Canada, Peru
Colombia Background:
Colombia is the third largest education market for Canada in Latin America after Brazil and Mexico and is ranked in the top 20 source countries of students to Canada worldwide. Currently, Colombia is widely viewed as one of the most important growth markets for international recruitment globally (4th fastest growing market) and has excellent market fundamentals. In 2020, recruitment fell slightly (14% compared to 2019) but numbers of study permit applications in 2021 are very promising and recovery is underway. Canada remained a top-choice study destination during the pandemic. Colombia is identified by BC’s international education sector as a key jurisdiction for student diversification, collaboration, and partnership development.
Chile Background:
Chile is a small economy compared to most other Southern American countries – 19,100,000 inhabitants with a median age of 35.3. The Chilean education system is a mix of public and private schools with the majority of children attending municipality run primary and secondary education supported by a nationally approved curriculum. Post-secondary education is also a mix of private and public technical, colleges, and universities. University education is expensive in comparison to average family income and the government has undertaken a major revision of its scholarship system to support the inclusion of students from lower income families.
Chile has experienced a steady growth in demand for study permits to Canada 345 in 2015 to 545 in 2019. Numbers decreased due to the pandemic to 435 in 2020 and to date, 505 students have so far obtained a study permit to Canada in 2021. Chilean students see Canada as a path for quality programs to become more competitive in the current competitive labor market and as a path for immigration. The pandemic has affected the economy and one of the measures to mitigate its effects has been to suspend the government scholarship system for international programs (Masters, PHDs and Technical training abroad). However, funding is expected to be reactivated in 2022.
Peru Background:
Peru is one of the top three fastest-growing markets in Latin America (together with Colombia and Bolivia) in sending students to Canada, doubling the number of study permits issued in the last four years, from 530 in 2016 to over 1,000 in 2020. Many Peruvians are interested in international education opportunities for themselves and their families, and students with international travel experience are more likely to act on their desire to study abroad. There are opportunities for language programs, graduate and postgraduate degrees, due to a growing demand in Peru for workers with relevant technical degrees. Peruvians also perceive education in Canada as a pathway for immigration. The number of agreements between Canadian and Peruvian post-secondary institutions has grown from 15 in 2012 to near 100 in 2021, increasing opportunities for student mobility. In addition, more than 320 Peruvian students have benefitted from Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program scholarships since 2009. Many Peruvian universities are also seeking partnerships to develop research projects on key sectors such as mining, water and agriculture, among others.
For more info, contact events@bccie.bc.ca