Study in Ontario: Best In-Demand Jobs For International Students

Recently, Ontario announced they want to focus on helping students land in-demand jobs. This move is in response to the federal government’s decision to limit the number of international students coming in for the next couple of years. The application for international students to study in Ontario is 96% and they direct them to public colleges and universities. While, the remaining 4% goes to private universities, language schools, and other institutions. Ontario is one of the biggest provinces. If you want to study in an Urban area, Ontario is one of the best provinces you should consider as an international student.

The Focus on In-Demand Jobs

Understanding the pulse of the global economy, Ontario is focusing its educational offerings to align with labour market demands. The in-demand areas are skilled trades, healthcare, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), hospitality, and child care. Ontario ensures that graduates receive education and preparation to meet the job market. Most international students seeking to study in Ontario must provide a provincial letter of attestation with their study permit application. This letter provides evidence that the applicant falls within the maximum allocations set by the federal government.

Understanding the critical needs of its labour market, Ontario has strategically focused on several key areas of study for international students, ensuring that the education they receive not only fulfils academic aspirations but also meets the province and global economic demands:

Best In-Demand Jobs for International Students

Healthcare: As more and more people need medical care, there is a demand for healthcare workers, like nurses and dentists. They are important for keeping everyone healthy, from regular check-ups to treatments. Canada’s hospitals and clinics are well-known globally, which implies studying healthcare here can lead to better job opportunities. Almost half of the top jobs in Canada over the next few years will be in healthcare. For example, there will be several job openings for registered nurses alone. So if you’re studying healthcare, you’ve got a good chance of finding work here. Registered nurses top the list with a whopping 139,700 expected job openings.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics): Ontario is a tech hub, particularly in cities like Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo, where tech giants and startups are eager for fresh talent in engineering, IT, and data analytics. Especially for engineers, Canada is a growing hub for them and one of the best places to pursue a career in Engineering. Featuring top institutions and supported by state-of-the-art facilities, Canada produces several engineering graduates each year who are equally demanded by employers owing to the excellent quality of education. IT project managers are among the top-paid professionals in Canada. Besides, Canada is also home to big names in computer science, and, information technology helps your chances of getting a well-paid job.

Skilled Trades: With a booming construction and manufacturing sector, skilled tradespeople are in high demand in Ontario. Programs in plumbing, electrical, and construction management offer promising pathways. 

More in-demand jobs

Electrical engineer careers require the ability to design, analyze, and specify electrical systems. Electrical engineers construct and test these systems, playing an essential role. Those in such roles maintain the systems and components for safe operation. Typically, this position demands a high level of education.

Accounting Technicians or Bookkeepers: An accounting technician differs from an accountant. Unlike accountants who need special licenses and certificates, accounting technicians usually don’t. They support accountants and finance pros by handling tasks like preparing accounts receivable, processing customer bills, and recording revenue. Accounting technicians can move into professional accounting roles with extra training. The best part is that no matter where you live in Canada, there are likely job opportunities for accounting technicians. However, until 2026, the Government Job Board predicts the highest demand will be in Quebec, Ontario, Nunavut, and Yukon.

Education: A degree in education can help you get employed at one of the top educational institutions in Canada. It is respectable to secure a job with good prospects. They can appoint you as a consultant, advisor, supervisor, education or welfare officer apart from the streamlined job titles such as a teacher, professor, lecturer, etc.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Students select Canada to get an opportunity to work in Canada and also apply for a Permanent Residency. Most graduates in Canada are eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit which authorizes them to work in Canada and gain valuable work experience. Six in 10 first-time study permit holders who worked during their period of study or after graduation became permanent residents.

How International Students Can Get PR in Canada After Study?

There are many immigration programs available to international students. While each program operates differently and has requirements beyond completing Canadian studies, the programs listed below may provide international student graduates with accelerated pathways to becoming Canadian permanent residents:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): If you’ve got at least 12 months of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years, this could be your ticket to PR. Remember, work done during full-time study doesn’t count, but you can gain this experience after you graduate with a post-graduation work permit.
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW): This one doesn’t need Canadian work experience, so if you have skills from abroad, you are in luck. You’ll need at least 12 months of full-time skilled work experience elsewhere.
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Each province runs its show, with programs that might favor students who’ve studied or worked there.
• Post-Graduation Work Permits: This is not a direct route to PR, but it lets you work in Canada after graduating, which can boost your chances later on.

Things you Should Know:

• Focus on acquiring valuable skills and experiences from the start of your academic journey to stand out from other candidates to make you qualify for in-demand Jobs.
• Stay updated on the latest job market trends and thoroughly prepare for interviews to increase your chances of success.
• Consider volunteering in Canada to demonstrate dedication and a strong work ethic to potential employers.
• Don’t be discouraged if they do not select you after an interview; keep persevering and learning from the experience.

Conclusion

Although this post focuses on some of Canada’s most sought-after jobs, there are plenty of other opportunities available. Whether you aim to work for a company or embark on your business venture, the options are diverse and enough.

Our experts can guide you through every step of your study abroad, from selecting the ideal university and program to helping with the visa application process. Contact us today!