International Students in Canadian Higher Education: Ethical Challenges in Employment and Financial Stability in the Greater Toronto Area

Abstract

This study investigates challenges international students face in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Canada, focusing on employment, financial stability, and academic performance. It tests five hypotheses: whether higher education levels enhance employment status, if job search difficulty increases over time, whether employment affects academic performance, if employment income covers living expenses, and whether students plan to change jobs post-graduation. A mixed-methods survey in January 2025 targeted 124 international students across diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs in the GTA, with questions on employment status, job search experiences, financial status, academic impacts, and career aspirations. Data were analyzed using Python with descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. No significant link was found between education level and employment (p=0.570), with 62.9% employed. Most (71.8%) reported greater job search difficulty over time due to labor market competition. Employment did not significantly impact academics (p=0.258), with 38.5% unaffected. Financially, 46.2% could not cover expenses (p=0.134). Post-graduation, 74.4% planned to seek better jobs (p=0.196). These findings highlight ethical concerns about equitable access to employment and financial support, urging institutions to address systemic barriers to fair treatment.

Keywords

• employment challenges
• equitable access to employment
• ethical challenges
• financial stability
• greater toronto area
• higher education
• international students