According to ApplyBoard’s Spring 2025 survey of nearly 850 students worldwide, 94% expressed interest in studying in Canada—the highest among all countries. Canada topped the rankings by weighted average, beating out the U.S., UK, and Australia.
ApplyBoard is a leading Canadian education platform that connects international students with schools across Canada and other top destinations, helping them apply to study abroad.
Affordability Is Key
77% of students said affordable tuition was their top priority. Despite rising costs, only 9% plan to defer their studies. Instead, 16% are choosing cheaper programs, and 11% are considering shorter or accelerated degrees—making Canada’s three-year bachelor’s and co-op programs more attractive.
Graduate Studies on the Rise
Over 50% plan to pursue a master’s, and interest in PhDs is also growing—driven by better job prospects and immigration options.
New Destinations Gaining Ground
25% of students are exploring different countries than originally planned. Alternatives like Denmark, Finland, Nigeria, and the Netherlands are gaining popularity due to affordability and simpler visa processes.
Canada Still Has the Edge
Despite recent policy changes, interest in Canada remains strong. Twice as many students said policy updates made them more likely to choose Canada than those who were discouraged.
