The provincial government of Manitoba is actively attempting to attract and retain more international students to the province.
Earlier this month, the province introduced two new pathways for international students under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP).
“By providing students a fast track to nomination for permanent residency, we hope to attract and retain more talented innovators and entrepreneurs from all over the world,” said the province’s Education and Training Minister Kelvin Goertzen. “International students bring new ideas, global connections and an entrepreneurial spirit to our province and when they create opportunities for themselves, Manitoba becomes more competitive and innovative.”
The International Student Entrepreneur Pathway will help graduates establish and operate a business in the province. To be eligible, a student must complete a minimum two-year program at a Manitoba post-secondary institution, invest in and actively manage a business. Under a two-year pilot program, entrepreneurs accepted through this pathway will receive a temporary work permit.
Meanwhile, the Graduate Internship Pathway is open to international students who complete a master’s or PhD degree program at a Manitoba university and a qualifying internship supported by Mitacs, a national not-for-profit organisation that builds partnerships between universities and industry and receives funding from the Manitoba government.
“Manitoba’s Graduate Internship Pathway is a significant step in attracting, developing and retaining the best talent from around the world,” said Alejandro Adem, CEO and scientific director at Mitacs.
“Mitacs is proud that our programs can support this endeavour, which in turn leads to economic growth in the province.”
Minister Goertzen noted the province anticipates more than 70 graduates will qualify for the Graduate Internship Pathway in 2018-19.
Article published 26th November 2018