Studying abroad has long been seen as a key pathway for young people to gain global competitiveness and achieve personal growth. However, a new survey shows the global education landscape is shifting: the United States is losing its dominance, while the United Kingdom and Canada are emerging as the most sought-after destinations for international students.
According to the Global Study Abroad Destination Index released this fall by the Canadian education technology company ApplyBoard, 82% of the 400 international recruitment professionals surveyed named the United Kingdom as the most attractive study destination. Canada ranked second at 74%, while the United States dropped to third place with 67%. Australia (66%), Germany (60%), and Ireland (50%) followed.
The report attributes the U.K.’s return to the top spot to its stable education system, flexible visa policies, and long-term support for international students. Despite initial concerns over visa restrictions following Brexit, the government’s “Graduate Route” post-study work visa has successfully drawn international students back to the U.K.
Canada also performed strongly, scoring 84.3% for “openness, safety, and friendliness,” second only to the U.K.’s 86.9%. As reported by The Toronto Star, Canada had briefly slipped in earlier surveys due to recent limits on student visa issuances and revisions to post-graduation work permits. Yet, after policy adjustments, its appeal has rebounded. ApplyBoard predicts that the number of newly issued Canadian study permits will decrease by about 50% in 2025 compared to the previous year, though the country remains seen as one of the safest, most open, and inclusive destinations for students.
In contrast, the United States ranked last among the six countries in openness and safety, with only 50%. Experts link this decline to the persistent uncertainty surrounding U.S. immigration and visa policies. Since the Trump administration, inconsistent policy directions have led many students to choose countries with more predictable systems and welcoming environments, such as the U.K. and Canada.
The survey also identified the top factors influencing students’ study-abroad decisions: tuition costs (91.4%), post-graduation job opportunities (87.8%), cost of living (76.7%), work opportunities during study (74.6%), and the host country’s friendliness toward international students (48.6%). Overall, 47% of respondents reported growing public interest in international education. ApplyBoard concluded that demand for overseas study continues to rise, signaling renewed momentum in the global higher education market.
