94% Study Abroad Aspirants Rank Canada as Top Destination; Survey

94% Study Abroad Aspirants Rank Canada as Top Destination; Survey

Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Apr 07, 2025 12:31 PM IST

A remarkable 94% of study-abroad aspirants still prefer Canada at first, along with Germany, Finland, and Denmark, gaining popularity amongst students as per ApplyBoard survey 2025. Despite the diplomatic dispute between India and Canada, it remains the top choice for Indian students for abroad studies.

This Story also Contains
  1. Canada Leads Among Popular Study Destinations: Survey
  2. Why Canada is Still Popular in 2025
  3. Canada’s Visa Restriction Impact On Indian Students
  4. Conclusion: Canada Leads as Most Popular Study Destination
94% Study Abroad Aspirants Rank Canada as Top Destination; Survey
94% Study Abroad Aspirants Rank Canada as Top Destination; Survey

Canada has imposed visa restrictions, higher financial requirements, and limited study permits in 2025, making it harder for Indian students to obtain a Canada student visa. Still, Canada leads study abroad preferences and its attractiveness remains unfazed amid diplomatic rift. In fact, around 65% of the survey respondents prefer studying in Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, UK, and US.

Also Read:

Canada Leads Among Popular Study Destinations: Survey

According to the recent Student Pulse Survey Spring 2025 by ApplyBoard, Canada is still unfazed and leads study abroad preferences. 94% of the students who responded to the survey have shown some level of interest in studying in Canada. Also, the survey reveals that 65% of the respondents are only interested in studying in Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, UK, and US.

In this particular survey, candidates still preferred the US as a study abroad destination. On the contrary, Canada overtook takes US as higher percentages of respondents had higher interest at the very and moderately levels, with only 6% who are not interested at all.

Although Canada remains the top choice for international students, they also prefer US, UK, Australia, and Germany as the top 5 study abroad destinations in 2025. The study abroad preferences of the aspirants were Canada at the top, followed by US, UK, Australia, Germany, and Ireland.

Source: Apply Board

Source: Apply Board

Why Canada is Still Popular in 2025

Although Canada imposed visa restrictions and a study cap on Indian students, making it harder for them to obtain a study permit, they still prefer Canada as one of the attractive countries to pursue studies abroad.

Numerous reasons tend to make Canada still a popular study destination. A few of the reasons why Canada leads study abroad preferences despite a diplomatic dispute with India include:

  • High-Quality Education Top Canadian universities are globally renowned for their academic excellence and are often recognised under QS and THE.

  • Better Career Prospects: Lucrative career opportunities with competitive salaries in the global market after graduating from Canadian educational institutions.

  • Work Opportunities in Canada: Post study prospects in the Canadian industry with the work visa options

  • Good ROI: Although the cost of studying in Canada is typically higher in 2025, it's still considered a good return on investment for Indian students.

  • Survey Says It is Popular: This has been recently reflected in a survey where 94% of candidates still selected Canada as a preferred country for academics.

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Canada’s Visa Restriction Impact On Indian Students

The recent statistics reveal that Canada has imposed tightened visa requirements and restrictions on Indian students through changes in their previous immigration policies. Here are the factual data showing the impact of India-Canada diplomatic tensions on Indian students.

In late 2023, a diplomatic issue between India and Canada led to a sharp decline in educational exchanges, i.e studying in Canada from India. The number of Canada study permits issued dropped from 108,940 to 14,910 which is around 86%, in the last quarter.

In early 2024, a student cap for international students was issued, cutting new permits by 35% to about 364,000. They also doubled the financial requirements for international students in Canada in that year to 20,635.

In 2025, Canada further introduced some new visa policies and changes, including increased border security, stricter visa regulations, new study visa caps, rigorous work permit requirements, the end of SDS program, and many more.

This has eventually made it harder for middle-class Indian families to get a Canadian student visa, as obtaining larger education loans became even more difficult, On this note, Canada and the US still account for 72% of Indian students studying abroad. This shows that even amid a diplomatic rift between India and Canada, students are still choosing Canada as one of their top study abroad preferences.

Conclusion: Canada Leads as Most Popular Study Destination

Canada is still preferred as a study abroad destination even with the recent policy changes in that country that have led to numerous challenges for international students. Benefits such as top notch education, post study work opportunities, and global exposure have ensured Canada’s appeal in the world. Along with Canada as a top choice, students are also becoming more diversified in their choices for countries like Germany, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, and Nigeria because of affordability.

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Questions related to

Get answers from students and experts

Hello,

Yes, you can pursue MD in Radiology in Canada after completing a B.Sc. in Radiology, but you need to complete a recognized medical degree (like MBBS) first. After that, you must pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) and complete a residency in radiology. Alternatively, you can explore postgraduate diploma or master’s programs in medical imaging or radiology if you wish to specialize without an MD.

Hope this helps you,

Thank you

https://www.careers360.com/courses/md-radiology



hi ,

yes , you can pursue undergraduate degree in AI ML in Canada with 65% in 12th grade , bit your options may be limited since many top universities require a minimum of 75-70% , however with some colleges or universities with flexible admission requirements may accept you .

eligibility criteria for AI /ML in Canada

academic requirement - Most top universities require 70-80% in 12th PCM for direct admission.Some colleges/universities accept students with 60-70% in 12th PCM.

English proficiency test -

(if your schooling was in English, some institutions may waive this)

  • IELTS: 6.0 – 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL: 80 – 90 (iBT)
  • PTE: 50+

mathematics requirement

Since AI & ML are math-heavy, having good grades in Math (especially Calculus) will strengthen your application.


hope this helps


Hi Madhvi,

With 42% in 12th, admission to universities in Canada can be challenging, as most require at least 50-60%. However, you still have options:

  1. Diploma Programs – Some colleges like Seneca, Humber, or Centennial offer diploma courses with flexible entry requirements.

  2. Foundation Programs – You can take a pathway course in Canada to improve your academic profile before entering a degree program.

  3. Private Colleges – Some private institutions accept lower percentages, but research them well before applying.

  4. Improve Academics – Consider reappearing for 12th exams or taking additional certification courses to boost your profile.

Also, ensure you meet the IELTS/TOEFL score requirements for student visas.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.

After completing a BBA in Finance, top programs in Canada include MBA (Finance), Master of Finance, Master in Financial Analytics, CFA certification, or PG diplomas in Financial Planning, Investment Banking, and Risk Management. Choose based on career goals, budget, and university reputation.

Hello there,

NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is primarily an entrance exam for medical courses in India. If you're considering studying medicine in Canada, here are some key points to consider:

NEET and Medical Studies in Canada:

  1. Not Required for Admission : NEET is not required for admission to medical schools in Canada. Canadian medical schools have their own admission criteria, which typically include undergraduate degree requirements and standardized tests like the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).

  2. Eligibility for International Students : To apply to medical schools in Canada, you usually need to complete a bachelor's degree (often with a focus on science) and achieve a good score on the MCAT.

  3. Application Process : Each Canadian medical school has specific admission requirements. It's important to research individual schools to understand their criteria, including GPA requirements, volunteer experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.

  4. Recognition of Indian Medical Degrees : If you complete your medical studies in Canada, your degree will be recognized, but if you study medicine in India, you’ll need to go through the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) exams to practice in Canada.

    Recommendations:

  • Research Canadian Medical Schools : Look into the specific requirements for the medical schools you are interested in.

  • Prepare for MCAT : If you're aiming for medical school in Canada, focus on preparing for the MCAT and meeting the prerequisite courses for admission.

    Conclusion:

NEET is not necessary for studying medicine in Canada. Instead, focus on completing an undergraduate degree, taking the MCAT, and meeting the admission requirements of Canadian medical schools.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


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