Canada has emerged as the most sought-after study abroad destination for international students, according to the latest Student Pulse Survey by ApplyBoard. The Spring 2025 edition, released on March 26, revealed that 94% of future international students expressed some level of interest in pursuing their education in Canada—a figure that outpaces interest in any other country.
Maple News reports that Canada continues to lead the “Big Four” study destinations, which include the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. While the U.S. had a slightly higher percentage of students who were “extremely interested” in studying there, Canada claimed the top spot overall when all levels of interest were considered. The country saw a steady rise in popularity, with the proportion of students reporting they were “very interested” in Canada increasing by two percentage points compared to last year’s survey. Additionally, moderate interest rose from 8% in 2024 to 12% in 2025—a 4% increase.
Notably, only 6% of surveyed students said they had no interest in studying in Canada—the lowest among all countries in the report. This further underscores the nation’s strong appeal among prospective students worldwide.
The survey also found that 65% of respondents were only considering one or more of the top six study destinations: Canada, the U.S., the U.K., Australia, Germany, and Ireland. Canada’s consistently high ranking reflects its reputation for quality education, affordable tuition compared to other Western countries, and strong pathways to permanent residency.
Experts suggest several reasons behind Canada’s strong performance in international education. These include a welcoming immigration system, opportunities for post-study work, government efforts to attract global talent, and the multicultural environment students experience in cities across the country.
As global competition for international talent intensifies, Canada’s continued popularity signals its growing influence as a hub for academic and career opportunities.
With evolving immigration policies and increased investment in higher education infrastructure, Canada is likely to maintain its status as a global leader in international education into 2025 and beyond.