Canada Remains World’s Most Popular Destination For International Students

On This Page You Will Find:

• Why Canada is the most popular destination for students
• Key factors influencing international student choices
• How affordability is shaping study plans
• New global education trends and emerging destinations
• A helpful FAQ for prospective international students

Canada Leads the World in International Student Interest

Canada continues to top the list of preferred destinations for international students, according to the Spring 2025 edition of the ApplyBoard Student Pulse Survey. Nearly 850 prospective students from around the world responded to the survey, offering insight into current global trends in international education.

Among all countries mentioned, Canada had the strongest overall interest. While more students said they were “extremely interested” in studying in the United States, a higher number expressed “very interested” and “moderately interested” responses for Canada. This gave Canada the highest score by weighted average. In total, 94 percent of survey participants showed some level of interest in studying in Canada, making it the world’s most attractive destination for international education in 2025.

The consistent interest in Canada highlights the country’s reputation for quality education, cultural diversity, and strong post-graduation opportunities. Students are drawn to Canada not only for its universities and colleges, but also for its immigration pathways, including the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and various permanent residence options.

Affordability Is a Key Concern for International Students

Across all study destinations, affordability emerged as the most important consideration for students. Seventy-seven percent of respondents selected affordable tuition fees as the top factor in choosing a study program. This was followed by high graduate employment rates (57 percent), program alignment with career goals (49 percent), quality of teaching (47 percent), and program reputation (45 percent).

Despite the rising cost of living around the world, most students are not willing to postpone their education. Only 9 percent indicated they would defer their studies due to financial reasons. Instead, students are actively adjusting their plans to stay within budget. Around 16 percent are now considering different, more affordable programs than originally planned, while 11 percent are exploring shorter or accelerated degrees.

For Canadian institutions, this presents a valuable opportunity to attract budget-conscious students by promoting cost-effective options. Colleges and universities offering three-year bachelor’s degrees or compressed programs may find increased interest. Highlighting scholarships, on-campus jobs, and co-op placements can also enhance affordability and attract a wider range of applicants.

Graduate Programs Are Gaining Popularity

The survey found growing interest in postgraduate studies. More than half of the respondents said they are planning to pursue a master’s degree, and interest in doctoral programs such as PhDs has increased by four percentage points compared to the previous year.

This shift suggests that students are thinking long-term about their careers and immigration goals. Many top destinations, including Canada, provide more favourable post-study work rights and immigration options for graduate-level students. Degree-based programs, particularly those at the master’s and PhD level, are also more likely to be recognised by employers and professional licensing bodies.

While interest in undergraduate degrees remains strong, fewer students are pursuing postgraduate certificates and diplomas than in previous surveys. This change may reflect a growing awareness that career prospects and residency pathways are more closely linked with advanced degrees in many countries.

Other Countries Gaining Student Interest

Although Canada remains the leading destination, the survey found that students are increasingly considering a wider range of study locations. Just over 25 percent of participants said they are looking at different countries than originally planned, primarily due to affordability concerns.

Several European countries—such as Denmark, Finland, Italy, and the Netherlands—were mentioned as alternatives. Nigeria, New Zealand, and Japan also appeared among the top ten emerging destinations. Nigeria in particular is gaining traction, possibly due to its recent investments in higher education through initiatives like the Tertiary Education Trust Fund. While Nigerian students made up the largest cohort of respondents in the survey, their interest in staying closer to home for post-secondary education may also appeal to students in neighbouring countries.

Search trends support this shift. Compared to 2022 and 2023, “study in” searches for countries like Canada, the US, the UK, and Australia have declined. Students are increasingly open to studying in countries that may offer lower tuition fees, simpler visa processes, or improved cost of living.

Popular Careers Reflect Global Labour Trends

The survey also asked students about their post-graduation goals. Engineering emerged as the most frequently mentioned dream career. Within engineering, specialisations like software and civil engineering were most popular. Only 18 percent of students who selected engineering gave a general response, showing that most already have a specific area of focus.

Health-related careers were also in high demand. Nursing ranked second overall, followed by other fields in healthcare. This aligns with global labour market trends and the strong demand for healthcare professionals in Canada and other developed countries.

Other popular careers included lecturer, researcher, and human resources specialist. Students also showed a strong interest in technology-driven fields such as IT, cybersecurity, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and computer science.

Entrepreneurial goals were another common theme. Many students selected careers like business owner and consultant, showing a desire for independence and diverse experience. These roles are seen as stepping-stones to more specialised or senior positions in the future.

Canadian Interest Remains Resilient Despite Policy Changes

The Spring 2025 survey also explored how political and policy changes were influencing students’ choices. Canada and the United States saw the greatest impact, with only 29 percent of respondents saying recent policy changes had no effect on their decision-making. However, student sentiment remained mostly positive, with twice as many students reporting that policies made them more interested in studying in Canada than those who said the opposite.

This reflects Canada’s continued reputation for being welcoming, stable, and supportive of international students, even in a year when new visa regulations and housing concerns have been making headlines.

While countries like Australia and the UK also remain popular, Canada’s approach to post-study work, permanent residency, and international student support continues to make it a leading destination.

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