As an international student, you have a lot on your plate. Adjusting to life in a new country. Studying far away from friends and family, possibly in a second (or fourth!) language. Making new friends, and balancing your studies with part-time work.
With so much to do, it’s important to have a clear view of different career options. These in-demand STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields are growing across Canada and around the world, offering exciting career opportunities to new grads. Let’s take a closer look at some fields which are expected to grow and face worker shortages in Canada now and over the next decade.
Cybersecurity Professionals
The amount of data that companies store online or on servers is growing every year. The rising need to protect this data puts tech professionals with digital security skills in high demand. But there’s not enough qualified workers to fill jobs: Canada’s tech industry continues to have a talent shortage, with low unemployment rates (2.7% in December 2024) and many job openings. In fact, the security of IT systems and information was noted as a top strategic priority for many Canadian tech leaders by HR firm Robert Half.
That’s where cybersecurity specialists—who protect systems, networks, and company data from security breaches— come in. They’re strategic, collaborative, and detail-oriented people with strong programming, systems admin, and analytical skills.
Does this sound like a job you’d thrive in? Many cybersecurity professionals hold a computer science degree, and specializations in cybersecurity are becoming more common.
Prepare for a career in cybersecurity with British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)’s Forensic Investigation – Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity bachelor’s degree program.
General Practitioners and Family Physicians
Last year, our ApplyInsights team compared the number of job vacancies across the Canadian job market in 2019 and 2024. We found that over the last five years, vacancies in the health care and social assistance sector jumped by 78%! By 2031, health care is expected to employ over 3 million people, growing faster than the rest of Canada’s job market.
The Canadian Government also predicted that a shortage of general practitioners (GPs) and family physicians is likely between 2025 and 2033, rating job opportunities for family physicians over the next three years as ‘good’ or ‘very good’ (the two highest ratings) in every Canadian province and territory. As in-demand STEM fields go, these are two of the most sought-after professionals in Canada.
From pharmacy techs to veterinarians, many health care fields are expected to need lots of new workers. Could studying health sciences in Canada be the next step in your career journey?
If you’re considering a career as a family doctor, be prepared for a job with a lot of variety. Patients will often have different and complex needs, and you’ll be challenged to use your expertise to improve their lives. Plus, you’ll build a diverse network of specialists and other medical professionals. Students interested in medical careers who thrive in flexible work environments (with great job security) and who enjoy building relationships could excel in these roles.
Best of all, family physicians are in demand everywhere. So, whether you want to live in a big city or would rather have your neighbours be a few kilometres away, there’s a community that could use your skills.
Build the knowledge you need to succeed as a family physician or GP with the Pre-Medicine program at the University of Regina.
Electrical and Electronics Engineers
145 million electric vehicles (EVs) are projected to be on the road by 2030. That future is only possible through the work of electrical and electronics engineers. And, from improving traffic patterns to creating better batteries, electrical and electronics engineers will shape the entire EV ecosystem.
This is just one way electrical and electronics engineers build game-changing technology. These engineers also work in the global semiconductor industry, which is expected to grow by one trillion dollars by 2030. This growth is driven largely by the demand for consumer and industrial electronics, renewable energy, and EVs. As these industries grow, so does the need for electrical engineers.
From smartphones to cardioverter defibrillators (which help to prevent heart attacks), engineers create devices that are changing our world. If you’re an innovative thinker who’s fascinated by technology, can handle a workplace with competing demands, and are interested in electronics, physics, and math, consider becoming an electrical engineer!
Learn from sector-leading faculty—and work with global companies during your co-op terms—with the University of Waterloo’s Bachelor of Applied Science – Electrical Engineering program.
Dentists, Dental Hygienists, and Dental Therapists
Put simply: “There will always be teeth so there will always be a need for dentists.” While academic requirements vary by role, working in dentistry is a great option for students interested in health science who are strong communicators, who love to work with their hands, and who enjoy solving problems.
Between 2025 and 2028, job opportunities for dentists are projected to be either “good” or “very good” across Canada. Because 42% of dentists are 50 years old or over, and Canada has a median retirement age of 63, labour shortages are also likely over the next decade.
Job prospects for dental hygienists are also predicted to be relatively good. Dental hygienists are skilled in many tasks, from charting the condition of patients’ teeth to administering local anaesthesia or measuring for braces. Over 20,000 dental hygienists practice today, making them the sixth-largest regulated health profession in Canada!
Prepare for a career in oral health care with the Dental Hygiene advanced college diploma program at George Brown College. Plus, put your skills to use during your practicum at the campus dental clinic.
We hope reading about some in-demand STEM fields in Canada has inspired you. This is only a fraction of the STEM careers seeking new talent. As technology continues to evolve, the work we can do will evolve with it. This change will creating new careers requiring skilled STEM graduates.
Take the next step: look for a Canadian study program that matches your goals on the ApplyBoard platform.
