Top 20 Nationalities of International Students in Canada

On This Page, You Will Find:

• Canada’s most common international student source countries
• A table comparing 2023 and 2024 figures
• Why students choose Canada from top source countries
• How policy changes are reshaping student trends
• Frequently asked questions

Canada remains one of the most attractive destinations for international students in 2025, despite recent policy changes aimed at managing student intake. According to the latest data, India continues to lead as the top source country, followed by China, Nigeria, and the Philippines. However, significant declines in student numbers were seen across most nationalities due to new federal caps on study permits.

Students continue to choose Canada for its cultural diversity, world-class education, safety, and favourable immigration policies – including the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and clear pathways to permanent residence.

Canada’s Top Source Countries for International Students in 2024

Here is a breakdown of the top 20 nationalities of international students in Canada, based on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) figures:

Why Students Are Choosing Canada from These Countries

India continues to dominate as Canada’s largest source country due to its large population of English-speaking graduates and limited postgraduate capacity at Indian institutions. Many Indian students are drawn to Canada’s PGWP and permanent residence opportunities, particularly in technology and business fields.

China holds steady due to a longstanding interest in Western education and the reputation of Canadian universities. Canada’s relatively less competitive visa process compared to the US also plays a role.

Nigeria and Ghana represent West Africa’s growing middle class. Many students from these countries seek English-language education and pathways to remain in Canada after graduation, especially in STEM and healthcare fields.

The Philippines has a strong tradition of overseas education and work. Many students use study permits as a pathway to permanent residence, often pursuing healthcare or hospitality-related programs.

France, Morocco, and Algeria have strong French-speaking student bases, many of whom choose bilingual institutions in Quebec. These students are also drawn by Canada’s quality of life and student-friendly immigration policies.

Iran and Bangladesh are countries where students seek stable and secure environments with high-quality research opportunities, particularly at the postgraduate level.

Vietnam and Nepal have strong education agents and family networks that promote Canada as a safe, reputable, and immigrant-friendly destination. However, Nepal saw a major decline in 2024 due to the new study permit cap and increased financial requirements.

Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil reflect growing Latin American demand for international education. Many students from these countries pursue business and technology programs and are increasingly considering affordable English-language destinations.

South Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong students are typically focused on global education credentials that improve employability. They are especially attracted to top-tier universities in British Columbia and Ontario.

Senegal showed growth despite overall declines, highlighting emerging interest from Francophone Africa, especially in response to Canada’s targeted efforts to recruit from the Global South.

Canada’s Appeal Remains

The Spring 2025 ApplyBoard Student Pulse Survey confirms that Canada remains the world’s most appealing destination for global learners. Of nearly 850 respondents, 94 percent said they were interested in studying in Canada, more than any other country. While more students rated the United States as “extremely interesting,” Canada had higher levels of “very interested” and “moderately interested” responses, giving it the top spot overall.

Affordability is a major factor for students from all these countries. According to the ApplyBoard survey, 77 percent of students said low tuition was the most important factor when choosing where to study. Canadian institutions offering scholarships, compressed degrees, or work-integrated learning options such as co-op placements have a unique advantage.

What’s Behind the Decline?

The reductions reflect the federal government’s decision to cap new study permits beginning in 2024 to manage infrastructure, housing shortages, and resource constraints. In 2024, permits were cut by 35 percent, with a further 10 percent reduction for 2025, capping the total at 437,000.

The new rules also include tougher financial requirements – such as a $20,635 minimum Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) – and restricted eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit and Spousal Open Work Permits. These measures have hit students from lower-income countries the hardest.

Senegal and Ghana were the only countries in the top 20 to record increases, suggesting that smaller or less traditional markets may be more resilient in adapting to policy changes or meeting the new financial requirements.

Despite these challenges, Canada continues to attract a diverse international student body. Student interest remains resilient due to Canada’s welcoming reputation, graduate work opportunities, and permanent residence pathways.

FAQ