Canada has become the most preferred destination for international students in 2025, based on recent findings from the ApplyBoard Student Pulse Survey. Even with the Canadian government’s decision to limit study permit applications to 437,000 for the year, a 10% drop from 2024, the country remains beautiful to global students.

Survey Insights: Why Canada Leads

According to the Spring 2025 ApplyBoard Student Pulse Survey, 94% of students planning to study abroad showed interest in choosing Canada. This is an 8% increase compared to last year, putting Canada ahead of other popular countries.

Student Interest by Country:

Country Interested Students
Canada 94%
United States 91%
United Kingdom 89%
Australia 87%
Germany 78%
Ireland 74%

Only 6% of students showed no interest in Canada, the lowest among the destinations surveyed.

Main Reasons Students Choose Canada

Several factors make Canada a top choice for international education:

  1. Lower Tuition Costs –

    2. 77% of students seek affordable education options.

  2. Strong Employment Opportunities After Graduation –

    3. 57% consider this a key factor.

  3. Career-Focused Programs –

    4. 49% prefer courses that align with their career goals.

  4. High Quality of Teaching –

    5. 47% value good academic instruction.

  5. Reputation of Programs –

    6. 45% are influenced by the recognition of the course.

Due to rising costs globally, students are also exploring shorter programs or more affordable countries like Denmark, Finland, and the Netherlands.

Study Permit Cap and Its Effects

To manage housing shortages and the rapid increase in temporary residents, the Canadian government has introduced a cap on study permits for 2025. The total number has been limited to 437,000.

Recent Policy Changes:

Policy Area Change Implemented
Total Application Cap 437,000 study permit applications in 2025
Graduate Students Included in the Cap Master’s and Ph.D. students are now included
Requirement of Provincial Attestation Letters Now mandatory for all student applicants

These changes mean higher competition and a need for students to be well-prepared and apply early.

Increased Focus on Graduate Programs

There is growing interest in higher-level education among students this year:

  1. Master’s Degrees –

    2. 57% of students are considering them, up by 7%.

  2. Ph.D. Programs –

    3. Interest has grown by 4%.

  3. Undergraduate Programs –

    4. Still popular at 29.3%, though slightly decreased.

Career goals after graduation are mainly focused on engineering, nursing, research, teaching, and human resources.

Understanding the Study Permit Application Process

To study in Canada for more than six months, students must apply for a study permit. The application typically includes:

  1. Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
  2. A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is required for all students.
  3. Proof of Financial Support to cover tuition, living costs, and return travel.
  4. Intent to Leave Canada After Studies, shown through a written explanation or interview.

Applicants must convince the immigration officer that they will return home after completing their education.