How are postsecondary students in Canada impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?

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Release date: May 12, 2020
COVID-19: A data perspective More information PDF version
Infographic: How are postsecondary students in Canada impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Description: How are postsecondary students in Canada impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?

How are postsecondary students in Canada impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?

Between April 19 and May 1, 2020, over 100,000 postsecondary students let Statistics Canada know how they have been impacted by COVID-19. Here is what participants said.

For many students, academic work was delayed, postponed or cancelled.


Proportion of participants who reported the following academic impacts:
Table summary
This table displays the results of Proportion of participants who reported the following academic impacts: Percentage (appearing as column headers).
Percentage
Some courses cancelled or postponed 26%
Not able to complete some or all courses 10%
Planned work placement delayed or cancelled 35%
Not able to complete credential as planned 11%
Some or all courses moved online 92%

Many students reported experiencing labour market disruptions.


Participants with jobs or job prospects at the beginning of March who reported employment changes:
Table summary
This table displays the results of Participants with jobs or job prospects at the beginning of March who reported employment changes: Percentage (appearing as column headers).
Percentage
Participants with a job
Lost job or temporarily laid off 48%
Working reduced hours 26%
Participants with job prospects
Lost job prospects 49%

Students are worried about their studies, financial situation and jobs.


Proportion of participants who are “very” or “extremely” concerned about:
Table summary
This table displays the results of Proportion of participants who are “very” or “extremely” concerned about: Percentage (appearing as column headers).
Percentage
Using up savings 68%
Having no job prospects for the near future 67%
Effect of pandemic on grades 63%
Loss of jobs in the future 58%
Having to take on more student debt 54%
Difficulty paying for tuition next term 51%
Inability to keep up with other bills and payments 51%
Inability to pay for accommodations next term 50%
Inability to return to school next term 47%
Credential not being considered equivalent to those not affected by COVID-19 40%
Lack of opportunities for research funding 39%

Source: Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on postsecondary students.

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Published by authority of the Minister responsible for Statistics Canada.

© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada as represented by the Minister of Industry, 2020

All rights reserved. Use of this publication is governed by the Statistics Canada Open Licence Agreement.

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