The bar chart compares the percentage of international students graduating from universities in eight Canadian provinces in 2001 and 2006.)
Overall, the proportion of foreign graduates increased in almost all provinces, with the exception of Alberta, and New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and British Columbia consistently recorded the highest figures.
By contrast, Alberta and Ontario remained at the lower end throughout the period. In 2001, New Brunswick had the largest share of overseas graduates at around 11%, followed by British Columbia (about 10%) and Nova Scotia (just under 9%). Quebec stood at roughly 7%, while Manitoba, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Alberta ranged between 5% and 6%. Ontario had the smallest proportion, slightly above 3%. By 2006, the overall gap between provinces narrowed, mainly due to faster growth in those with initially lower figures. New Brunswick retained the leading position at approximately 12%, narrowly ahead of Nova Scotia and British Columbia, both at around 11%. Quebec rose to roughly 9%, and Ontario nearly doubled to 6%. Manitoba and Newfoundland & Labrador also increased significantly to about 7% each.
In contrast, Alberta declined to around 5%, making it the only province to experience a fall over the period. In summary, while most provinces witnessed steady growth in the share of international graduates, Alberta was the sole exception, and provinces with initially modest figures, particularly Ontario, recorded the fastest relative increases.