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Starting in 2024, Canada is set to introduce a transformative two-tiered structure for its Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), a move designed to bolster the integrity of its International Student Program (ISP). Under this innovative framework, DLIs that meet the stringent criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will be designated as Trusted Institutions, ushering in a new era of expedited visa processing for prospective international students.
This strategic overhaul aligns with IRCC's broader mission to modernize the ISP, ensuring Canada remains attractive for global learners. Against the backdrop of mounting concerns regarding housing accessibility for visiting students and the prospect of an international student cap, IRCC's proactive approach to enhancing the student experience signals a commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive educational environment. As the Trusted Institutions Framework takes shape, Canadian colleges and universities are poised for a transformative era of international education.
Building a New Educational Landscape in Canada
Canada, renowned for its commitment to international education, is embarking on an ambitious endeavor to redefine its approach to hosting international students. The driving force behind this transformation is the Trusted Institution framework, a groundbreaking initiative introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
With sparse details but a clear vision, the framework evaluates post-secondary institutions based on criteria emphasizing reliability in sustainable intake, genuine student identification, compliance monitoring, and ensuring a safe and enriching experience for international students.
According to IRCC, Trusted Institutions would receive certain facilitations, such as "lighter-touch, expedited processing for its applicants."
Under the Trusted Institution framework, Canadian post-secondary institutions will face a significant transformation.
As IRCC outlines, "Institutions that meet a certain threshold for such criteria would be designated as Trusted Institutions."
This marks a shift within the Canadian educational landscape, as it effectively establishes a two-tiered structure among the country's Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), some of which will attain the coveted Trusted Institution status, while others will not.
What is The Trusted Institution Framework?
The Trusted Institution framework was first announced by IRCC in June 2023, stemming from insights garnered during a Strategic Immigration Review and a concurrent assessment of the International Student Program (ISP).
According to IRCC, the framework arises "from the recent Strategic Immigration Review, alongside a review of the ISP, that identified a number of points of concern, including concerns around the vulnerability of international students (particularly in the context of recent reports of exploitation or mistreatment of visiting students)."
These evaluations revealed several concerns, including the vulnerability of international students, surges in application volumes, and the imperative for diversifying the international student population.
The framework's assessment relies on two broad categories of data: some gleaned from IRCC's archives, such as study permit approval rates and student outcomes, and the rest to be collected through DLIs' participation in a new reporting scheme.
DLIs will be tasked with sharing additional data, including retention rates, on-time program completion, revenue from international tuitions, support services expenditure, housing availability, and teacher-student ratios.
According to IRCC, "IRCC’s new framework will effectively establish a two-tiered structure among Canada’s Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), where some will be classed as Trusted Institutions and some will not."
Measuring Institutional Performance
When evaluating the performance of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) under the Trusted Institution framework, various key indicators will play a pivotal role in assessing their effectiveness and commitment to international students:
Retention Rates
This metric gauges the percentage of international students enrolled in multi-year study programs who choose to continue their studies at the same institution after their first year in Canada.
On-Time Program Completion Rate
This percentage reflects the success of international students in completing their programs within the advertised length of study, ensuring that a four-year bachelor's degree, for instance, is achieved in four years or less.
Revenue from International Tuition
DLIs will be evaluated based on the percentage of their total tuition revenue derived from international student tuition fees, emphasizing the institution's reliance on this revenue source.
Scholarships for Less Developed Countries
This indicator assesses the dollar value and the percentage of total scholarships and grants awarded to international students from countries identified on the United Nations Least Developed Countries list.
Funding for International Student Support
It measures the value of dedicated support services provided to international students per student and as a percentage of average international student tuition. These services may encompass mental health support, career guidance, employment counseling, and immigration assistance.
DLI-Administered Housing Availability
This metric tracks the total number and percentage of international students accommodated in housing administered by their respective institutions, addressing concerns about student housing accessibility.
Teacher-Student Ratio
The average teacher-student ratio for the ten courses with the highest enrollment of international students offers insight into the quality of instruction and academic support provided.
Data for these assessments will be sourced from multiple channels. IRCC will collect information from DLIs through a new reporting scheme. At the same time, the Canadian government will contribute data on study permit approval rates, students' countries of origin, and post-graduation outcomes, such as transitioning to visas like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). IRCC plans to commence data collection and analysis from all DLIs in the coming months, culminating in releasing the initial list of Trusted Institutions in the spring of 2024.
What This Means For Future International Students
As the Trusted Institution framework takes shape, questions arise about its implications. An IRCC spokesperson, when asked about the matter, indicated that ongoing discussions prevented speculation on future policy decisions.
According to IRCC, "Given that these discussions are ongoing, IRCC cannot speculate on future policy decisions. However, any new developments would be communicated publicly."
However, the commitment to transparent communication with stakeholders and the public remains steadfast. Canada's evolving approach to international education is poised to strengthen its position as a global leader in welcoming and nurturing international students while ensuring their safety, well-being, and academic success in the Great White North.
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