The Importance of International Students in Manitoba

Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Manitoba, in an insightful interaction with Higher Education Review, emphasized the revolutionary role of international students in enriching the Manitoban economic and social landscape. He pointed out that their value goes beyond classrooms, as they contribute to the economy of the province, enriching its cultural environment, and contributing to innovation in major sectors. From supporting research and industry collaborations to shaping a diverse, globally connected workforce, international students have become an essential force behind Manitoba’s long-term growth and competitiveness.

Dr. Michael Benarroch is the President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Manitoba, Western Canada’s oldest university that is also one of the country’s top research universities and a proud member of the U15, an association of 15 Canadian public research universities. Navitas has partnered with the University of Manitoba since 2007 and manages the International College of Manitoba that offers foundation as well as pathways to an undergraduate degree at the University.

How are International Students boosting Manitoba’s Economy?

International students contribute to boosting Manitoba’s economy in numerous ways. First, they directly contribute to the Manitoba economy by coming to Manitoba, living here, and contributing to the economy. They pay tuition, spend within the Manitoba economy and some of them get employment during their studies. By doing so, they offer a direct economic contribution. Moreover, there are numerous people who work in our laboratories and take part in research. Students are allowed to stay in Canada and work a few years during their studies and after graduation. There are a lot of people who prefer to stay and remain part of the workforce. They contribute significantly to our research enterprise and many graduate students engage in research in health sciences, science and engineering. In general, they are a great contributor to the economy.

How does cultural exchange from international students enrich Manitoba?

I believe one of the most significant contributions of international students is the diversity they bring. International students bring diversity in terms of perspectives, cultures, religions and different experiences to Manitoba which not only enriches our society but also our university. This diversity comes with a wide range of worldviews and lifestyles and they enrich the academic and social landscape. For many domestic students, this may be their first direct exposure to individuals from other countries, providing an opportunity to broaden their understanding and outlook. This diversity also creates future economic and social opportunities.

Why are international students vital for Manitoba's global competitiveness?

International students are crucial since they create opportunities for our students and for people in Manitoba to establish connections around the world. Also, a large proportion of our alumni who leave Canada to become successful in business often look at Canada as their target market to expand their business. This results in a two-way flow of relationship and opportunities.

In today's global context, where the relations with the United States are not always good, and the imposition of tariffs is being practiced, the diversification of economic relations with other nations becomes more significant. In this aspect, Canada has a solid background, since many international students stay in the country and become successful, or go back to their countries and become successful there. These continuous relationships lead to the development of international trade. The role of international students is vital to this process; they enrich Canada and provide economic opportunities.

How Do International Students Influence Local Communities and Businesses?

A global outlook and exposing our lives to the rest of the world enriches us as a population. We learn from their experiences, expand our ways of thinking and acquire new ways of understanding. Numerous philanthropists in Canada were once international students who decided to settle permanently in Canada, and they succeeded tremendously. Indian students have attended the University of Manitoba and have gone back to their country with better skills and knowledge thus not only benefiting the Indian economy and society but also keeping in touch with our university. This represents a mutually enriching, two-way relationship that strengthens the global impact of Canadian universities.

In addition, graduate students pursuing master's or PhD programs often return to their home countries and remain in contact with our professors. Such long-term relations lead to international research collaborations, which are likely to have the most significant results, including high citation and extensive readership. These collaborations have enabled the University of Manitoba to broaden its networks and increase the quality of research and produce more competent and internationally aware students.

Can Manitoba Attract More Talent Through International Student Programs?

I believe we can definitely attract more international students. At present, the federal government has imposed some quotas but there is great potential of students interested in studying in Canada. Canada is a highly secure nation, and Winnipeg, specifically, is an affordable city. Although international tuition fees are greater than domestic charges, they are still one of the lowest in Canada, which makes the University of Manitoba very affordable. Winnipeg also has affordable housing, especially in the places surrounding the University of Manitoba. Also, the society of Winnipeg is multicultural and students are able to connect to their own cultures and communities. Many members of our local communities initially came as international students and chose to stay, further enriching the city’s diversity.

How Do International Students Shape the Future Workforce in Manitoba?

The international students are highly critical in shaping the future workforce, especially in high technology and other vital industries such as engineering, computer science, and agricultural industry. The largest industry in Manitoba is agriculture, and these fields are of significant interest to international students. International students are also a significant contributor in our graduate programs. Their work involves in laboratories, research, interaction with other researchers, communicating with businesses, and contributing to translating ideas to market. They contribute significantly to the economy, particularly in technology and innovation.

Our business courses also have a large number of international students, including the Master's in Supply Chain, MBA, and Master's in Finance. The fact that Winnipeg is a transportation hub increases the impact of these students, affecting global markets and supply chain operations. Given Manitoba’s relatively slow population growth, international students contribute not only during their studies but also when they choose to remain in the province. Their contributions extend beyond Winnipeg, as graduates who settle in rural areas also make significant economic and social impacts.

What Policies Help Maximize the Impact of International Students?

Several policies have helped maximize the impact of international students. One of the most significant has been allowing students who complete a two-year program or longer to remain in Manitoba for up to three years to work. This policy makes Canada a preferred destination for international students because they are able to gain good work experience after graduation, before returning home.

The involvement of policies to allow international students to work either part-time or full-time during their studies has also contributed positively. Some measures have made the visa process easier for international students. At the university level, international students must be provided with the same resources as domestic students. It is even important to support them through the provision of residence facilities and support in their transition to the Canadian society, especially in the initial year, which is usually the hardest.

For students coming from countries such as India, adapting to Winnipeg can be a significant adjustment due to differences in culture, society, and climate. Programs such as mentorship initiatives and opportunities to connect with other students on campus are highly valuable in supporting their integration and success.

How Are Universities Leveraging International Students for Innovation?

International students at the University of Manitoba and other universities are an important part of our research enterprise. We strive to ensure that appropriate funding and support are in place for them during their studies. They participate in laboratories and support professors in research within and outside the lab, and serve as co-authors on publications. They engage with industry and government, and present their work as well as participate in innovative high-tech research, such as AI, computing, and medical advances.

One of the key industries of Manitoba is agriculture, and the introduction of AI to this field, such as optimizing the usage of pesticides and fertilizers, minimizing the environmental impact, and improving yields, is an example of how international students can be directly involved in innovation. Their involvement extends across areas such as supply chain, finance, and new technological tools. Without international students, the current degree of research and innovation could not be maintained.

One recent policy change that supports this is the federal government’s removal of the requirement for graduate students to obtain an attestation letter, which had been introduced two years ago. Previously, after being accepted to a university, students were required to obtain a provincial letter of acceptance before applying for a visa. This process added more barriers to international graduate students. The removal of this requirement for master’s and PhD students reflects recognition of the significant contribution international students make to Canada’s innovation and research environment.  This policy change facilitates the entry of highly talented international graduate students and is expected to strengthen Canada’s research enterprise.