Canada is ranked as the most preferred study abroad destination in 2025
21 April 2025 | Canada
A recent survey found that, on a weighted average, Canada is the best place for international students to study.
Out of all the countries questioned, 94% of prospective international students expressed some interest in studying in Canada.
In fact, 65% of respondents stated that they were only thinking about studying in one or more of the six nations listed below, including Canada. When compared to the Spring Survey from the prior year, this indicates an eight-percentage point gain.
For international students, Canada remains one of the top four countries, along with the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. These are collectively known as the “Big Four.”
More students said they were “very interested” and “moderately interested” in studying in Canada than in any of the other Big Four nations when given the following options.
When it comes to individuals who were “extremely interested” in a study destination, the U.S. fared three percentage points better than Canada in the Spring 2025 survey, but when interest was averaged across all levels, Canada won.
Those who were “very interested” in studying in Canada increased by two percentage points from the Spring 2024 Student Pulse Survey, while moderate interest increased by 4% from 8% to 12% this year.
Additionally, Canada was unique in that the lowest percentage of students (6%), compared to other nations, expressed no interest in studying there.
Germany and Ireland came in fifth and sixth, respectively, along with the other top three study abroad locations listed above.
Below is a snapshot detailing how Canada ranked among the top countries future students indicated interested in.
Only 35% of respondents to the survey indicated that they were thinking of studying abroad outside of these six nations.
Would you like us to check your eligibility for Canada Immigration Programs?
Please get in touch with us and our experts will guide you!
The Main Factors Influencing Students' Interest
The following were the top five criteria influencing future students’ decisions when deciding which study program to enroll in and which nation to pursue it in:
- Affordable tuition fees (77%);
- High graduate employment rate (57%);
- A program leading into one’s chosen career (49%);
- High-quality teaching (47%); and
- The program’s reputation (45%).
Participants placed a high value on affordability while choosing a study program and study location.
Just over one in four international students were reconsidering their initial study destinations and exploring other options due to financial worries.
European nations like Denmark, Finland, and the Netherlands, which accounted for seven of the top ten write-ins, stood out as alternatives to the top six previously stated locations, with participants citing their cheaper tuition prices as a key lure.
Additionally, in order to avoid paying exorbitant tuition, 11.3% of poll participants are investigating shorter programs, such as three-year bachelor’s degrees.
Just 9% intend to postpone their studies, despite financial worries.
Levels of Study Seeing the Most Interest
International students have expressed more interest in graduate programs than they did in the Spring 2024 Student Pulse Survey.
Approximately 7 percentage points more respondents (57%) said they were thinking about getting a master’s degree than in the spring of 2024.
Interest in PhDs and other doctoral degrees has increased by four percentage points annually.
Although more students have expressed interest in studying the other levels of study, interest in them has declined:
- Undergraduate degrees (29.3% vs 25.5%);
- Post-graduate certificates or diplomas (20.9% vs 18%); and
- Undergraduate certificates or diplomas (14.7% vs 12%).
Once their studies were complete, the most frequently mentioned career or related keywords that students were interesting in included
- Engineering; and
- Nursing (along with, more generally, health care).
After the above-mentioned careers, “lecturer,” “researcher,” and “human resources” tied for third place.
Have Government and Policy Changes Impacted Interest?
Interest in Canada as a study destination does not seem to have decreased as a result of the federal government’s recent policy of capping study permit applications.
Compared to the 517,410 study permits granted in 2024, the number of study permits authorized in 2025 decreased to 437,000. In the meantime, 18% of international students say that recent developments have “somewhat increased” their interest in studying in Canada, while 30% say that it has increased.
According to just under 29% of international students, recent changes in government and policy have not affected their desire to study in Canada.
Since acquiring a Canadian study permit has become more challenging, studying in Canada as an international student has become more valuable and prestigious.
Additionally, the job market for those who plan to stay in Canada after completing their studies on a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) will be less competitive as fewer international students graduate.
The two Big Four nations that have witnessed the most effects (whether positive or bad) on students’ desire to study in either of these countries are Canada and the United States.
Immigration Pathways for International Students
You can be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) if you graduate from a post-secondary institution in Canada that meets the requirements.
Since these are open work permits, you are not bound by them to any particular employer. You can work for most employers in most industries in Canada if you have an open work permit.
Depending on the length of your academic program, these permits may be granted for a maximum of three years, which may enable you to get Canadian work experience and/or receive a job offer.
It is advantageous to have Canadian job experience since it makes you a more competitive applicant for permanent residence via Canada’s economic immigration paths, such as enhanced Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams and Express Entry.
Consider the following for Express Entry: If you’re issued a PGWP for its full-length (three years) and you work during that time, you can gain 64 points towards your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
Furthermore, through skill transferability factors you can gain
- Up to 50 CRS points for having at least two years of Canadian work experience and a post-secondary education; and
- Up to 50 CRS points for having three years of foreign work experience and two or more years of Canadian work experience.
If your plan is to study to immigrate, take the time to ensure your program indeed meets the eligibility requirements to be issued a PGWP.
Why You Should Choose Simard & Associates as Your Immigration Lawyer?
At Simard & Associates, we bring expertise, dedication, and a personalized approach to every immigration case. With a proven track record of success, we guide you through the complexities of immigration law with confidence and care. Our team is committed to providing tailored solutions, ensuring your application process is smooth, efficient, and stress-free. Whether you’re pursuing residency, citizenship, or visas, Simard & Associates is your trusted partner for achieving your immigration goals.
For more details & questions, Kindly contact us and one of our Immigration Consultant & Immigration Lawyers will respond to you.
Latest Immigration News
- All Posts
- Immigration News
- Latest News
- 最新动态
- 最新動態
- 未分类
- 未分類
- 移民新聞
- 移民新闻
Share this post:
GET IN TOUCH WITH US
Simard & Associates helps clients apply for citizenship and residence under the applicable programs. To schedule an initial free consultation, get in touch with us.
GET IN TOUCH WITH US
Simard & Associates helps clients apply for citizenship and residence under the applicable programs. To schedule an initial free consultation, get in touch with us.
