Shift in Study Abroad Trends: From Canada to Europe

All of us understand the fact that Canada may no longer be everyone’s favorite study abroad destination. Students who once had a plan to study in Canada are now considering other destinations. What is the reason for students moving beyond Canada and which destination is becoming the next global hotspot for international students?
In more than 16 to 17 years of my experience in tertiary and overseas education, I am seeing an anti-Canada sentiment for the first time. I have personally mentored and assisted thousands of students who went on to pursue education at the top universities in Canada. However, now even I am not sure if I should be asking students to prefer Canada over other countries.
For students who really want to build a thriving future abroad, I’d rather guide them to consider Europe than Canada as of today. I’m sure anyone who has a fair idea of recent developments in the global education landscape will second that. In this blog, I am going to explain this in detail. I will talk about the reasons behind students moving beyond Canada and choosing Europe, as they should.
So, let’s get started without further ado! I am sure, on the other side of this blog, you would have a better understanding of things to make a better study abroad choice. To begin with, let’s first understand why international students are backtracking on their study in Canada plans.

Quick Reasons Why Canada Is No Longer the Favorite

1. Demanding Immigration and Visa Norms
This is the most stringent that Canada’s immigration rules have been in the last 10 years, if not more. I back this assertion with all of my professional experience and industry knowledge. Canada was always known to be a liberal country for international students and that is evident in its large international student population.
However, things are now completely different! Between 2024 and 2025, Canada introduced a series of policy changes in its immigration laws. The new immigration regulations for international students by IRCC make it hard for them to get a Canadian student visa.

Speaking of these policy changes going against international students, a few highlights are listed below. 

 

  • Students now need to meet higher funding requirements with apt proof 

  • Canada has capped the number of international students it accepts under its newly announced Provincial Attestation Letter provisions 

  • Stricter norms for obtaining a Post-Study Work Permit 

  • Reduced chances of obtaining permanent residency 

All of these policy changes, put together, have started a strong wave of anti-Canada sentiments among international students. This remains the largest reason why international student aspirants no longer want to study in Canada.
2. Rising Costs
Speak to an international student in Canada and they’ll tell you that the cost of living is skyrocketing. Inflation has pushed both the cost of living and tuition fees in Canada upwards and that has made things difficult for international students.
But it’s not just about the costs increasing substantially. We also need to look at the consequences of it. Rising costs imply that there is now a housing crisis in Canada and international students are finding it hard to make ends meet. It also means that groceries are now more expensive, gas prices are rising and there is a ripple effect.
Let me draw a contrast here. In 2022, as an international student in Canada, you could lead a decent life for CAD 1000 to CAD 1200 per month. However, today, this cost may have risen to CAD 1600 to CAD 2000. In cities like Toronto and Vancouver, the cost may be as high as CAD 2500 per month.
Needless to say, while making a study abroad choice, cost is a major factor. The real costs of studying abroad need to be analyzed while comparing destinations. This is where Canada is now losing its popularity as a study abroad destination owing to its high inflation rate.
3. Mounting Unemployment
The job crisis in Canada is only deepening with time. Even if international students get post-study work rights in Canada, there aren’t many job opportunities. Now, for anyone who is planning to move abroad for higher education, the employment prospects are important.
You need to consider both part-time work opportunities for international students and full-time employment upon course completion. Canada does not seem to be doing well.
All of the above factors and the ripple effect that they create are what is causing a major shift in global education. Students moving beyond Canada is one of the most unpredictable and unprecedented trends in overseas education. However, it is what it is!
On the other hand, there are some amusing reasons why Europe is gaining popularity and outdoing Canada as a study abroad destination. In the next section, let’s delve into these reasons.

Why More Students Are Now Keen to Study in Europe

Europe as a whole offers a broad spectrum of some of the most progressive education systems in the world. Within Europe, it can be quite difficult to make a choice between the UK, Germany, Ireland, Spain and other countries. This in itself is the umbrella reason why students are looking beyond Canada and towards Europe.
Let’s bifurcate these reasons and delve deeper into what Europe has to offer to international students.
1. Affordability

Most European countries offer world-class education at affordable tuition fees to international students. The emphasis here is on Germany, France, Italy and Spain, while the UK may still be an expensive destination for higher education.

In Germany, France and Spain, both the tuition fees and the cost of living are much lower than in North America. In fact, Germany is highly popular for the fact that you can pursue higher education at public universities without having to pay any tuition fees.

This is certainly the major reason behind students moving beyond Canada and choosing Europe for their higher education.

2. State of the Art Education

It is a well-known fact that Europe offers world-class education that is marked by intensive research, technological innovation and experiential learning. The UK and Germany, in particular, are known to be the frontrunners in global education. The UK, home to Imperial College London, LSE, the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, among others, sets precedents for education worldwide. 

On the other hand, Germany is known for its superiority in technical education, making it the global hub of tech innovation. Hence, students who have the ambition to make a real difference and succeed in their career dreams are certainly drawn towards the UK and Germany.

If you ask me today, which country is the best to pursue cybersecurity, AI, research programs or data science, I’d say you should study in Germany . If it is about building a thriving career in economics or management, I’d say you should study in the UK. Anyone with a basic understanding of global education will tell you that the UK and Germany are among the best in the world. 

Not only these two countries, but other European countries too offer world-class education. Besides, you get ample opportunities to network as an international student in these countries.

3. Cultural Diversity
Apart from its world-class education, Europe is also known for its vibrant, picturesque and fascinating cultural heritage. Whether we talk about London, Madrid, Paris or any other city, it is a cultural celebration in itself. Europe’s cultural diversity is certainly appealing and so are its great cities. This does affect students’ and parents’ minds directly or indirectly.
4. Study Abroad Scholarships

European countries are also known for their generous scholarships for international students. Of course, study abroad scholarships form a major attraction for students wanting to study abroad. A good scholarship could very well be the bridge between you and your dream university.

In Europe, while most universities have internal scholarships for international students, third-party scholarships and grants are also available. The governments in Europe and private organizations offer third-party scholarships that really interest students. For instance, Chevening Scholarships in the UK are highly popular among international students. 

In a nutshell, the above contrast between present-day Canada as a study destination and Europe explains the paradigm shift. Basically, these reasons explain the trend of students looking beyond Canada and now preferring Europe for higher education. Still not sure which country or course is best suited for you? Reach out to us and speak to our experts!

Our experts will not only guide you but also understand your exact requirements or ambitions to suggest the best-fit options to you. Professional advice is always recommended when it’s about careers! 

Picture of Author Bio : Silver Fern

Author Bio : Silver Fern

silverfern@gmail.com

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