Our priorities

By the numbers

• $17B

  in R&D

  Universities performed $17 billion in research and development in 2023, accounting for 35 percent of total Canadian research and development.

• 272

  patents in 2022

  University research institutes issued over 272 patents in 2022 alone.

• 875

  startups founded

  875 startup companies dedicated to commercializing technologies developed at Canadian universities and research institutions.

• $1.1B

  in research for business

  Canada’s universities conduct $1.1 billion in research for businesses and help build their competitive advantage.

• $1.7B

  in research for not-for-profit sector

  Universities conduct $1.7 billion in research annually for the not-for-profit sector, which has more than tripled since 2000.

• 35%

  of R&D by universities

  35% of Canada’s research and development is conducted by universities.

• $30.9B

  into Canada’s economy

  In 2022, international students injected $30.9 billion into Canada’s economy—more than the country’s entire auto parts manufacturing industry—accounting for 1.2% of GDP.

• 361,230

  jobs supported thanks to international students

  International students spending supported 361,230 jobs, the equivalent of filling every seat in Toronto’s Rogers Centre seven times over.

• $7.4B

  in tax revenue

  International students contributed $7.4 billion in tax revenue—helping fund hospitals, schools and infrastructure that benefit all Canadians.

• 2x

  Growth

  A university education is a game-changer. Since 2015, jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree have more than doubled.

• 24%

  Increased earnings

  University graduates earn more—bachelor’s degree holders make 24% above the national average, and over a lifetime, they earn 50% more than those with only a high school diploma, translating to an earnings difference of approximately $1 million.

• $45.1B

  Contribution to the economy

  But universities do more than educate—they drive Canada’s economy. They contribute $45.1 billion annually, support nearly 410,000 jobs and invest billions in local businesses, infrastructure and salaries.

• 1000+

  Benefit from campuses in their community

  Universities open their doors to the public, transforming campuses into hubs for cultural events, sports and community programs—bringing together students, families and local businesses. 

• 135,000

  Student housing

  With over 135,000 student housing units nationwide, they provide safe, affordable homes while easing pressure on local markets. Since May 2023, shovels have hit the ground on 16 new student housing projects across 12 campuses, creating much-needed, safe and affordable housing—helping ease the pressure in some of Canada’s tightest rental markets.