Key Highlights
- Canada is losing ground as a top destination for international students.
- Visa delays, high living costs, and lack of housing are major obstacles.
- New education hubs like Germany, Malaysia, and South Korea are gaining popularity.
- Survey data shows Canadian institutions are bracing for enrolment drops and budget cuts.
- Strategic reforms are needed to reclaim Canada’s competitive edge in global education.
Canada’s Appeal Fading for International Students: What the Latest Survey Tells Us
Once considered one of the crown jewels of global education, Canada is now facing a noticeable dip in popularity among international students. With the release of the Global Enrolment Benchmark Survey—a collaborative effort by NAFSA, the Oxford Test of English, and Studyportals—it’s become clear that the tides are turning. Students are increasingly looking beyond the usual “Big Four” destinations (Canada, the USA, the UK, and Australia) and setting their sights on newer, more accessible education hubs in Europe and Asia.
Why the sudden shift? It’s not just about academics anymore. Cost of living, visa complications, and post-graduation work opportunities are playing a much bigger role in decision-making. And unfortunately, Canada is falling short in several of these areas.
Survey Reveals a Drop in Canada’s Popularity
The survey collected data from 240 institutions across 48 countries, focusing on student interest for the January–March 2025 intake. While only 15 Canadian institutions took part, the findings mirror broader trends in online search activity and application behaviour. In short: Canada is seeing a noticeable decline in both undergraduate and graduate interest, while countries in Asia and Europe are gaining ground.
In contrast, countries like the UK are seeing a rebound in graduate applications, and Asian institutions are thriving thanks to friendlier immigration policies and cost-effective education models.
What’s Holding Canada Back?
According to the survey, Canadian institutions are dealing with a unique mix of challenges that are making it harder to attract and retain global talent. Here’s a breakdown of the top issues cited:
| Factor | Impact in Canada | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Visa delays & restrictive policies | 93% of Canadian universities affected | 62% |
| High tuition & cost of living | Moderate impact | 47% |
| Lack of affordable housing | Rising concern | 20% |
These figures paint a worrying picture. While some challenges like housing are global in nature, the severity in Canada is far greater. And that’s not all—around two-thirds of Canadian institutions expect to face budget cuts in the coming year, which could further strain resources and student services.
The “Big Ten”: New Global Education Hotspots
As Canada’s shine dims, students are exploring new destinations with open arms. The following countries are quickly becoming education favourites thanks to lower costs, simple visa processes, and strong job markets after graduation:
| Germany | Netherlands |
| France | South Korea |
| Malaysia | Japan |
Search trends from Studyportals show increasing interest in both Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in these regions. Meanwhile, the “Big Four” are either stagnating or declining in visibility. And the reasons are compelling—affordable fees, better support systems, and faster immigration processes are winning the hearts of students worldwide.
What Can Canadian Institutions Do to Turn the Tide?
Let’s face it—Canada’s international education success story has been decades in the making. But if significant reforms aren’t made soon, the country risks losing its hard-earned reputation. Here’s what institutions and policymakers should focus on:
- Speed up visa and permit processing to reduce uncertainty for students.
- Introduce more financial aid and flexible tuition models to ease the cost burden.
- Invest in affordable student housing to address one of the most pressing concerns.
- Expand recruitment efforts beyond traditional markets to tap into emerging talent pools.
Remember, the January–March intake is becoming increasingly vital as more institutions across the Northern Hemisphere adopt it as a primary enrolment season. Canada simply cannot afford to sit on the sidelines.
Canada Must Act Quickly or Risk Falling Behind