Canada Now is the Top Study Abroad Destination

Key Highlights:

• Overview
• Education.com Surveys
• January 2018
• Gradual Rise in Canada’s Popularity
• Post-Study Options
• Canada In Comparison
• Other Factors
• Studying in Canada

The decreasing popularity of the US means that Canada and the UK are more popular than the U.S. as a study abroad destination. 

It is no surprise that Canada and the UK are emerging as the two most popular study abroad destinations.

Education.com Surveys

Education.com conducted surveys better to understand the opinions of students on international education.

International students are now more interested in studying in Canada than the UK than they were before. The dramatic decrease in popularity of the US as a study destination has driven the country to lose its traditional top spot.

January 2018

The US was the most popular study destination for international students in January 2018. By October 2020, it dropped to the third most popular destination.

Interests of international students have been relatively consistent. It is not just one particular event like the Covid-19 pandemic that drove down the interest.

Gradual Rise in Canada’s Popularity

Both Canada and the UK have seen a gradual increase in their popularity. 

Surveys conducted between January 2018 and October 2020 indicate that the UK as a preferred study destination increased from 12.7% to about 15%.

During the same period, Canada saw an increase from 10.1% to 13.8%. 

The US, on the flip-side, saw a decrease from 21.6% down to 10.7%. Germany and Australia stood in the fourth and fifth position. Other countries within the top ten include France, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and Sweden.

Post-Study Options

It is an essential factor for international students while choosing a country to study in. It has played a decisive role in why the US has become less popular. The US seems to have more strict visa policies now in place for international graduates.

Canada In Comparison

In comparison, Canada is much more welcoming. Work experience while studying is a driving factor. Then the postgraduate work permit option is another. It is an open work permit that allows students to work for an employer of their choice.

Other Factors

Other essential factors that drive international students are the cost of living, the language and the culture. Safety and socio-political factors also matter. These factors are on top of an international student while choosing a study abroad destination.

Studying in Canada 

Even though the Covid-19 pandemic has played a significant role, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continue to process study permit applications.

International students, however, will have first to select the academic program they wish to study. Then the region or province where they want to take the course. Only then can they apply to the Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

Students can then begin the application process for a study permit after receiving the letter of acceptance. It is the legal document that allows you to travel and study in Canada.