Factors affecting interprovincial migration of university-bound students in Canada: evidence from the Postsecondary Student Information System (PSIS)
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Date
2024
Authors
Aduloju, Busayo
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
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Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Economics
Abstract
This thesis explores the factors influencing interprovincial migration of university-bound students in Canada between 2017 and 2021 using data from the Postsecondary Student Information System (PSIS). Employing both log-log and Poisson gravity models, the study examines geographic, economic, and institutional variables, along with the novel inclusion of cannabis regulation leniency, as a potential social determinant of migration.
The analysis confirms that geographic distance remains a significant deterrent to student migration, with the probability of migration diminishing sharply as the distance between provinces increases. Economic variables reveal counterintuitive patterns. Interestingly, higher GDP per capita in origin provinces correlates with greater out-migration, suggesting wealthier students are more mobile. A particularly novel aspect of this study is its inclusion of cannabis policy as a factor influencing student migration. Provinces with a higher density of cannabis retail stores per capita demonstrate a marked increase in student migration, suggesting possible lifestyle preferences; however, the minimum legal age for cannabis consumption appears to have a negligible effect.
These findings underscore the multifaceted nature of student migration, combining traditional economic and geographic factors with emerging social dynamics. The study offers valuable insights for policymakers and university administrators, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions that enhance interprovincial mobility, improve institutional competitiveness, and consider the broader social and regulatory landscapes in which students make their decisions.
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Keywords
post-secondary students , interprovincial student migration , geographic distance considerations , economic considerations , educational institution considerations , lifestyle preferences , cannabis regulation leniency