Sources of funds for expenditures on research and development (R&D) in the higher education sector. This table is included in Section D: Postsecondary education: Research and development of the Pan Canadian Education Indicators Program (PCEIP). PCEIP draws from a wide variety of data sources to provide information on the school-age population, elementary, secondary and postsecondary education, transitions, education finance and labour market outcomes. The program presents indicators for all of Canada, the provinces, the territories, as well as selected international comparisons and comparisons over time. PCEIP is an ongoing initiative of the Canadian Education Statistics Council, a partnership between Statistics Canada and the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada that provides a set of statistical measures on education systems in Canada.

Provincial estimates of research and development expenditures in the higher education sector, by funding sector and type of science by provinces, from 2000 to today.

Financial information of universities, type of expenditures by geography and type of funds.

The primary funding sources for colleges and universities in Canada have significantly shifted over the past five years. Provincial government funds historically made up the most significant revenue stream for universities, but lacklustre growth in per-student funding has pushed universities in most provinces to rely more on higher tuition fees. The recent influx of international students has proven lucrative for postsecondary institutions, but a temporary cap on international study permits has begun to significantly dampen their benefits. Revenue from investments, endowments and charitable contributions was exceptionally volatile amid disruptions in investment activity, introducing minor disruptions. Revenue has been swelling at a CAGR of 1.1% to an estimated $52.5 billion over the five years through 2025, including an uptick of 2.1% in 2025 alone. Revenue slowed as tuition freezes removed universities' control over their admission costs, especially in Ontario. While Ontario's universities have benefited from a new government support package, they continue grappling with a prolonged tuition freeze. Quebec's provincial government recently imposed significant tuition hikes for out-of-province and international students, leading to drops in enrolment for universities in the province. As government funding begins to return to growth, universities in Canada are expected to raise tuition at a more muted pace to remain attractive to students. Mounting federal government funding will help account for lagging provincial support, driving revenue upward for universities. Tuition fees will continue trending upward, but escalating government support will lend universities more flexibility over rates, potentially easing the tensions around affordability. Both universities and the Canadian federal government will focus on bringing in high-margin international students to bolster revenue, though legal barriers may complicate tapping into this revenue stream. Revenue is set to climb at a CAGR of 2.1% through the end of 2030.

Postsecondary non-university education (college) expenditure, by source of funds (governments, student fees, other sources), type of college and type of expenditures (e.g. Operating, capital, student support).

Canada CA: Higher Education Expenditure on R&D (HERD) data was reported at 16,983.000 CAD mn in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 16,813.000 CAD mn for 2022. Canada CA: Higher Education Expenditure on R&D (HERD) data is updated yearly, averaging 7,455.000 CAD mn from Dec 1981 (Median) to 2023, with 43 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 16,983.000 CAD mn in 2023 and a record low of 1,177.000 CAD mn in 1981. Canada CA: Higher Education Expenditure on R&D (HERD) data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Canada – Table CA.OECD.MSTI: Gross Domestic Expenditure on Research and Development: OECD Member: Annual.

In Canada, new sampling method (weighted sample survey supplemented by administrative tax data) and conceptual changes in the business R&D survey caused a break in series in 2014. From 2012 the coefficients used for estimating R&D expenditure in the Higher Education sector have been revised, as well as the distribution of HERD between funds directly from government for R&D, GUF, and from institutions’ own funds. From 2010, the federal government R&D expenditures are better measured. From 1988, the estimated values for R&D in hospitals not covered by university reports are included in the R&D expenditure of the higher education sector (not previously included).

Beginning 2017, NABS 2007 was used and correlated with the new Canadian Research and Development Classification (CRDC) system of classification at Statistics Canada. With the new methodology, SEO 12 and 13 (General advancement of knowledge) were removed from the survey and departments re-allocated the funds among the other SEOs. From 1989, non-federal sources are no longer excluded from GUF in GBARD.

Financial information of colleges, type of revenues by geography and type of funds.

This data table presents education expenditure in Canada as a proportion of GDP.

University education expenditures, by direct source of funds and type of expenditures

University expenditure, by source of funds (governments, student fees, other sources) and type of expenditures (e.g. Operating and sponsored research, capital, student support).

Canada CA: GERD Performed: Higher Education Sector data was reported at 34.553 % in 2023. This records a decrease from the previous number of 34.915 % for 2022. Canada CA: GERD Performed: Higher Education Sector data is updated yearly, averaging 31.675 % from Dec 1981 (Median) to 2023, with 43 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 39.778 % in 2017 and a record low of 23.499 % in 1986. Canada CA: GERD Performed: Higher Education Sector data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Canada – Table CA.OECD.MSTI: Gross Domestic Expenditure on Research and Development: OECD Member: Annual.

In Canada, new sampling method (weighted sample survey supplemented by administrative tax data) and conceptual changes in the business R&D survey caused a break in series in 2014. From 2012 the coefficients used for estimating R&D expenditure in the Higher Education sector have been revised, as well as the distribution of HERD between funds directly from government for R&D, GUF, and from institutions’ own funds. From 2010, the federal government R&D expenditures are better measured. From 1988, the estimated values for R&D in hospitals not covered by university reports are included in the R&D expenditure of the higher education sector (not previously included).

Beginning 2017, NABS 2007 was used and correlated with the new Canadian Research and Development Classification (CRDC) system of classification at Statistics Canada. With the new methodology, SEO 12 and 13 (General advancement of knowledge) were removed from the survey and departments re-allocated the funds among the other SEOs. From 1989, non-federal sources are no longer excluded from GUF in GBARD.

Canada CA: GERD Financed: Higher Education and PNP Sectors data was reported at 13.823 % in 2023. This records a decrease from the previous number of 13.961 % for 2022. Canada CA: GERD Financed: Higher Education and PNP Sectors data is updated yearly, averaging 8.748 % from Dec 1981 (Median) to 2023, with 43 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 15.687 % in 2016 and a record low of 4.123 % in 1986. Canada CA: GERD Financed: Higher Education and PNP Sectors data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Canada – Table CA.OECD.MSTI: Gross Domestic Expenditure on Research and Development: OECD Member: Annual.

In Canada, new sampling method (weighted sample survey supplemented by administrative tax data) and conceptual changes in the business R&D survey caused a break in series in 2014. From 2012 the coefficients used for estimating R&D expenditure in the Higher Education sector have been revised, as well as the distribution of HERD between funds directly from government for R&D, GUF, and from institutions’ own funds. From 2010, the federal government R&D expenditures are better measured. From 1988, the estimated values for R&D in hospitals not covered by university reports are included in the R&D expenditure of the higher education sector (not previously included).

Beginning 2017, NABS 2007 was used and correlated with the new Canadian Research and Development Classification (CRDC) system of classification at Statistics Canada. With the new methodology, SEO 12 and 13 (General advancement of knowledge) were removed from the survey and departments re-allocated the funds among the other SEOs. From 1989, non-federal sources are no longer excluded from GUF in GBARD.

This data table presents the proportions of total expenditure by educational institutions on current and capital expenses, including salaries and wages.

CA: Higher Education Researchers: % of National Total data was reported at 32.636 % in 2021. This records a decrease from the previous number of 33.248 % for 2020. CA: Higher Education Researchers: % of National Total data is updated yearly, averaging 35.588 % from Dec 1981 (Median) to 2021, with 41 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 45.398 % in 1981 and a record low of 29.866 % in 2001. CA: Higher Education Researchers: % of National Total data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Canada – Table CA.OECD.MSTI: Number of Researchers and Personnel on Research and Development: OECD Member: Annual.

In Canada, new sampling method (weighted sample survey supplemented by administrative tax data) and conceptual changes in the business R&D survey caused a break in series in 2014. From 2012 the coefficients used for estimating R&D expenditure in the Higher Education sector have been revised, as well as the distribution of HERD between funds directly from government for R&D, GUF, and from institutions’ own funds. From 2010, the federal government R&D expenditures are better measured. From 1988, the estimated values for R&D in hospitals not covered by university reports are included in the R&D expenditure of the higher education sector (not previously included).

Beginning 2017, NABS 2007 was used and correlated with the new Canadian Research and Development Classification (CRDC) system of classification at Statistics Canada. With the new methodology, SEO 12 and 13 (General advancement of knowledge) were removed from the survey and departments re-allocated the funds among the other SEOs. From 1989, non-federal sources are no longer excluded from GUF in GBARD.

The NGS Class of 2020 was collected in 2023 and focuses on the education and labour market experiences of persons who graduated from Canadian public postsecondary educational institutions in 2020. The survey includes questions about academic paths, funding for postsecondary education, and the transition into the labour market. It also explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education and employment of graduates. A sample of 60,000 graduates was selected for this cycle and the NGS Class of 2020 master microdata file includes 26,808 records and 462 variables. The data will be used by Statistics Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), provincial and territorial ministries of education, researchers, and other interested organizations to examine various topics such as educational pathways, postsecondary funding, mobility, school-to-work transitions, labour market outcomes and pursuits of further postsecondary studies.

Provincial estimates of research and development expenditures in the higher education sector, by funding sector and type of science by provinces, from 2000 to today.

Data on annual expenditure by educational institutions per student, in Canadian and American dollars, reference year 2021/2022. At the primary/secondary level, the amount spent on educational core services and ancillary services is also presented.

Data about the grants provided by the Postsecondary Education Division at the The Ministry of Colleges and Universities. The grants are issued to colleges of applied arts and technology and publicly assisted universities to support: * Major Capital Support Program - grants for capital infrastructure, new construction and major renovations * Facilities Renewal Program - grants to assist postsecondary institutions address ongoing maintenance, repair and renovations * College Equipment and Renewal Fund - grants to assist colleges acquire and renew instructional equipment and learning resources * other - grants to support the capital requirements of specific program initiatives This dataset contains the amounts expended on capital projects, and does not include the Apprenticeship Enhancement Fund.

Data about the operating grants issued to universities and publicly assisted colleges of applied arts and technology by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development. Major grant types include: * basic operating grants and enrolment funding * northern institution and French language or bilingual programs * grants for programs for Aboriginal education, students with disabilities and first generation students * health human resource programs special purpose and other organization grants

Canada CA: Higher Education Researchers: Compound Annual Growth Rate data was reported at 1.801 % in 2022. This records a decrease from the previous number of 3.959 % for 2021. Canada CA: Higher Education Researchers: Compound Annual Growth Rate data is updated yearly, averaging 3.594 % from Dec 1982 (Median) to 2022, with 41 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 13.981 % in 2010 and a record low of -4.247 % in 2009. Canada CA: Higher Education Researchers: Compound Annual Growth Rate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Canada – Table CA.OECD.MSTI: Number of Researchers and Personnel on Research and Development: OECD Member: Annual.

In Canada, new sampling method (weighted sample survey supplemented by administrative tax data) and conceptual changes in the business R&D survey caused a break in series in 2014. From 2012 the coefficients used for estimating R&D expenditure in the Higher Education sector have been revised, as well as the distribution of HERD between funds directly from government for R&D, GUF, and from institutions’ own funds. From 2010, the federal government R&D expenditures are better measured. From 1988, the estimated values for R&D in hospitals not covered by university reports are included in the R&D expenditure of the higher education sector (not previously included).

Beginning 2017, NABS 2007 was used and correlated with the new Canadian Research and Development Classification (CRDC) system of classification at Statistics Canada. With the new methodology, SEO 12 and 13 (General advancement of knowledge) were removed from the survey and departments re-allocated the funds among the other SEOs. From 1989, non-federal sources are no longer excluded from GUF in GBARD.