Canada study: What Indian students prioritise when choosing universities?

Canada remains a preferred destination among international students, but the factors influencing their decision are changing. For Indian students, safety, inclusion and cultural diversity are among the key considerations when choosing Canada, according to the Canadian Bureau for International Education’s (CBIE) 2025 International Student Survey.

The survey titled, "Why Students Choose Canada: What Matters Most" found that 83 per cent of respondents identified Canada as their destination of choice. However, recent policy changes and enrollment caps have reduced international interest compared with the previous survey conducted in 2023.

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For students considering Canada, high-quality education was the top reason for choosing the country, followed by internationally recognised degrees and professional opportunities after graduation. The survey also found that while education quality continues to matter, students are increasingly focused on practical outcomes rather than perceptions of Canada as an inclusive and safe society.

What Indian students prioritise?

The priorities vary according to students’ country of citizenship. Among the major sending countries covered in the survey, Indian students identified safety, inclusion and cultural diversity as the top factors for choosing Canada.

For comparison, students from China prioritised immigration pathways, while those from France highlighted research opportunities. Students from Iran also prioritised safety, inclusion and cultural diversity, while respondents from Nigeria and the Philippines placed greater importance on employment opportunities.

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What matters when choosing a university?

For international students choosing an institution, programme offerings were the biggest factor at 49 per cent , followed by reputation or ranking at 42 per cent , location at 41 per cent , work-integrated learning opportunities at 32 per cent and family or friend recommendations at 29 per cent .

Priorities also differed by level of study. Among college and undergraduate students, location and employability were each important to 45 per cent of respondents. Among graduate students, professor expertise was the leading factor at 50 per cent , followed by institution reputation at 42 per cent .

Province-wise differences

The survey found some differences in what students look for across Canadian regions. Natural environment was a distinctive factor for British Columbia, while affordability was highlighted in the Prairies and Atlantic region. Research opportunities stood out for Ontario and Quebec.

Word-of-mouth also plays an important role. 39 per cent of students in rural communities placed importance on recommendations when selecting an institution, compared with 24 per cent among students in urban areas. Student experience remains relatively positive, with 78 per cent saying their study experience in Canada met their expectations, while 80 per cent perceived Canada as an inclusive and welcoming country.

The survey was conducted in autumn 2025 and received 21,918 responses from post-secondary international students across 84 universities, colleges and polytechnic institutes in all 10 Canadian provinces.