From Education Competition to Global Opportunities: A New Pathway – From Singapore to Canada 

Over the past decade, Vietnam has experienced strong economic growth, with rapid urbanization and an expanding middle class. However, in the areas of education and employment, many families have begun to realize an important reality: relying solely on the domestic education system may not guarantee broader opportunities for their children in the future. 

As a result, an increasing number of Vietnamese parents are planning international education pathways for their children at an earlier stage. Their goal is not only academic success, but also better employment prospects and long-term career stability. 

The Number of Vietnamese Students Overseas Has Doubled in a Decade 

Vietnam has become one of the fastest-growing sources of international students in Asia. 

According to international education statistics: 

• 2015: About 110,000 Vietnamese students studying overseas 

• 2018: About 170,000 students 

• 2020: About 190,000 students 

• 2023: More than 200,000 students 

• 2025: Estimated around 250,000 Vietnamese students studying abroad 

This means that within just ten years, the number of Vietnamese studying overseas has more than doubled. 

Today, the main study destinations for Vietnamese students include: 

• Japan 

• South Korea 

• Australia 

• United States 

• Canada 

At the same time, Vietnam is also a major source of overseas workers. Currently, around 700,000 Vietnamese are working in more than 40 countries worldwide, and about 150,000 workers go abroad each year. 

These numbers highlight a clear trend: 
more Vietnamese young people are pursuing education and careers on a global stage. 

Many Students Choose to Stay Overseas After Graduation 

Studies suggest that around 70% to 80% of self-funded Vietnamese students choose to remain overseas after graduation, either for work or long-term settlement. 

The reasons include: 

• Higher salaries abroad 

• Better career opportunities 

• Greater access to multinational companies 

• Immigration pathways offered by some countries 

For example, graduates working in Canada or Australia may earn several times more than comparable positions in Vietnam. 

For many families, studying abroad is therefore not only an educational investment, but also a long-term life and career strategy. 

The Three Key Factors Vietnamese Parents Consider 

1. Better Employment Prospects 

Graduates with international degrees often have stronger advantages when applying for positions in: 

• Multinational corporations 

• International organizations 

• Globally oriented industries 

2. International Education and English Environment 

Studying abroad helps students develop: 

• English communication ability 

• Independent thinking 

• Global perspectives 

3. Overseas Employment and Immigration Opportunities 

Many families also consider post-graduation employment and immigration opportunities. 

For example, in 
Canada, graduates may apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) which allows them to: 

• Work legally in Canada for up to three years 

• Gain valuable work experience 

• Apply for permanent residency after one year of skilled work 

• Apply for family PR after two years of work, allowing parents and siblings to join 

This makes Canada not only a study destination, but a long-term pathway for the whole family’s migration and career opportunities. 

A New Education Pathway: From Singapore to Canada 

Many Vietnamese families are now choosing Singapore as the first step for international education. 

Educare Development Group (EDG) offers a pathway for students from 15 years old to study in Singapore, taking the internationally recognized Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). 

After completing the OSSD, students can pursue university degrees overseas—particularly in Canada—then follow a structured migration and career pathway. 

Why Singapore Is an Ideal Study Destination 

For Vietnamese families, Singapore offers several important advantages: 

• Close proximity: Only 2–3 hours by flight from Vietnam 

• Safety and stability: Ranked as one of the safest countries in Asia 

• International education environment: Multicultural, globally oriented schools 

• English immersion: Daily environment for improving language skills 

Singapore provides the perfect stepping stone for younger students preparing for global education. 

From Singapore to Canada: Education, Work, and Family Migration 

Through this pathway, students can: 

1. Complete the OSSD high school programme in Singapore 

2. Apply to Canadian universities 

3. Obtain a three-year PGWP work permit after graduation 

4. Gain work experience and apply for permanent residency 

5. After two years of work, apply for family PR, allowing parents and siblings to join them in Canada 

This pathway provides students and families with: 

• International academic qualifications 

• Overseas employment opportunities 

• Long-term migration and career planning 

Conclusion 

The growth from 110,000 Vietnamese students overseas in 2015 to about 250,000 in 2025 reflects a major shift in educational aspirations. 

Education today is no longer just about a degree—it is about opening doors to global opportunities and long-term family security. 

For Vietnamese families, international education is a strategic investment, and programs like the OSSD pathway via Singapore provide a clear bridge to higher education, employment, permanent residency, and family migration opportunities.