Millions of students have recently searched for overseas study programs on the ApplyBoard platform. Many of these students begin their study abroad trip by using our website to look for programs in Australia, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. They can assist students in reaching their academic and professional objectives because of this exclusive search data, which provides us with a leading indicator of shifting student preferences.
Today, we’re looking at how program searches for international students changed in 2024 in the US, UK, and Canada. Unprecedented policy changes occurred during a turbulent period last year, and changing policies can significantly affect student program preferences. Learn how these choices changed in 2024 and how schools might change in 2025.
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Table of Contents
Key Insights at a Glance
- ApplyBoard platform search data shows that in 2024, the proportion of searches for Canadian health fields jumped over four percentage points compared to the previous year.
- Science programs accounted for nearly 21% of all US-centric searches in 2024, higher than any of our other destinations.
- STEM fields surpassed business programs as the top category of interest for the UK in 2024.
What Canadian fields of study did international students search for in 2024?
The shortage of doctors and nurses in Canada is expected to reach 78,000 and 117,600 by 2031. Interest in health programs increased among Indian, Ghanaian, Nigerian, Filipino, Brazilian, and Sri Lankan students, with Indian students searching for programs at 17% and Ghanaian and Nigerian students at 20%.
These trends signal an opportunity for Canadian institutions to attract more international students in high-demand fields. Highlighting career pathways, research opportunities, and work-integrated learning in health, engineering and technology, and the sciences can help institutions align with student interests and workforce needs.
What US fields of study did international students search for in 2024?
In the US, STEM occupations have a median annual wage more than double that of non-STEM roles, making this field a highly attractive pathway for international students.
Search interest from students in Bangladesh, Ghana, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka doubled in 2024 compared to the previous year. On top of that, Pakistani searches for US programs tripled while Nepalese searches quadrupled. The graphic below breaks down what fields of study some of the US’s largest student populations were searching for in 2024:
Health fields saw the highest interest from students from Nigeria (20%), Ghana (20%), and India (13%). In fact, this field’s share of searches from Nigerian and Ghanaian students rose seven and five percentage points compared to the previous year. Additionally, the share of searches for health fields increased for eight of the nine student populations in 2024, compared to the previous year.
As international student interest in STEM fields remains strong and demand for health programs grows, US institutions have an opportunity to reinforce their strengths in these areas. Strengthening industry partnerships, expanding hands-on learning experiences, and supporting post-graduation employment pathways can help attract and retain top international talent.
What UK Fields of Study did International Students Search for in 2024?
Interest in UK programs grew significantly among several key student populations in 2024, with searches from students in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Ghana, and Saudi Arabia doubling year-over-year. Meanwhile, student searches from Nigeria and Pakistan saw substantial gains, rising 66% and 40%, respectively. However, searches from Nepalese students experienced the most dramatic increase, with searches tripling compared to 2023.
Student interest in health fields was strongest among Ghanaian (22%), Nigerian (20%), and Saudi Arabian students (16%). Compared to the previous year, the share of searches for this field rose by six percentage points among Ghanaian students and five percentage points among Nigerian students.
How to Leverage ApplyBoard to Study Abroad
What fields are drawing the most interest? Which destinations are gaining traction? How are students adjusting their choices based on evolving policies and job market opportunities? Understanding these trends is essential for building a strong, future-focused international recruitment strategy.
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