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

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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