Canada, once seen as a top-tier destination for international students, is now facing significant shifts in global demand. A new survey from NAFSA, Oxford Test of English, and Studyportals suggests a clear trend: international students are increasingly exploring destinations outside the traditional “Big Four”- the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. Instead, countries in Europe and Asia are emerging as preferred alternatives due to more favorable policies, lower living costs, and streamlined visa processing.
The Global Enrolment Benchmark Survey gathered data from 240 institutions across 48 countries for the January–March 2025 intake. Although the number of responses from each country was limited only 15 from Canada, the larger trend aligns with recent enrollment data and global search behavior. It’s a wake-up call for countries like Canada that once dominated the global education market but are now facing mounting challenges.
Survey Shows Clear Decline for Canada’s Student Numbers
The survey reveals a concerning drop in interest among international students in Canada, especially for the first intake of 2025. Compared to rising undergraduate and graduate enrollments in Asia and graduate rebounds in the UK, Canada is showing lower numbers across both levels. This decline is deeply tied to multiple factors:
Top Challenges Cited by Institutions:
| Factor | Impact in Canada | Global Average |
| Visa issues and restrictive policies | 93% of Canadian universities | 62% |
| High tuition and cost of living | Moderate impact | 47% |
| Lack of affordable housing | Growing concern | 20% |
What’s alarming is that nearly two-thirds of Canadian institutions also anticipate budget cuts in the upcoming year. To cope with these pressures, about 43% of institutions globally plan to expand into new international markets, with Canadian institutions particularly focused on diversification.
The Rise of the “Big Ten”: New Education Hubs Gain Momentum
A growing number of international students are now turning their focus to countries such as:
| Germany | Netherlands |
| France | South Korea |
| Malaysia | Japan |
These countries offer affordable education, simplified visa policies, and competitive work opportunities post-graduation. According to Studyportals’ global search data, many of these destinations have seen a sharp rise in search volumes for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs over the last 12 months, while interest in the “Big Four” has either plateaued or declined.
In a landscape where international students in Canada have historically contributed to innovation, diversity, and economic growth, these trends are worth serious attention. Overly stringent policies and long visa delays are clearly pushing students to explore other options. Institutions in Canada must now make strategic decisions:
- Streamline visa and permit processing
- Reduce financial burdens where possible
- Focus on student housing infrastructure
- Broaden recruitment from diverse markets
The January to March intake is crucial, especially as more Northern Hemisphere institutions adopt it as a major enrollment season. Yet, if Canada’s response remains sluggish, it may continue to lose ground to more agile competitors in Asia and Europe.
Time for Canada to Regain Momentum in Global Education
As the global student market evolves, one message rings clear: international students now have more choices than ever. Canada, while still a top destination, must urgently reassess its approach to remain competitive. From addressing visa backlogs to enhancing affordability and support systems, the path forward requires decisive action. The changing preferences of international students in Canada reflect broader geopolitical and policy-driven shifts. If Canada fails to respond to these warning signs, it risks being left behind in the race for global academic talent.
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