Canada continues to be one of the preferred study-abroad destinations for Indian students. But what are the key factors influencing their decision to choose Canada over other destinations? New data from the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) offers insights into what matters most to students from India and other key international markets when choosing Canada for higher education.
Institutional preferences also vary by level of study. What we are seeing is that students want more flexibility in how they navigate the study abroad process. She added that digital-first solutions such as the Duolingo English Test can help simplify the process by providing students with an accessible way to demonstrate their English proficiency when applying to universities in Canada and other countries. Recent policy initiatives indicate that Canada is working to strengthen the international student experience and make pathways more accessible. The country continues to focus on attracting and supporting international talent, including through scholarships and institutional partnerships. Digital tools are also playing a role in making the study-abroad process more accessible. The Duolingo English Test (DET) offers students an online option to demonstrate English proficiency without travelling to a physical test centre or securing an appointment months in advance. By allowing students to take the test online, DET can reduce some of the logistical challenges associated with English-language proficiency testing for international education.
Undergraduate and college students consider location and employability equally important, with 45 per cent citing each factor. Graduate students, meanwhile, place greater emphasis on professor expertise, at 50 per cent, and institutional reputation, at 42 per cent, highlighting differences in priorities at the postgraduate level. The test costs Rs 6,000, according to the information provided, and results are usually available within 48 hours. The International Student Survey was conducted in the fall of 2025 and collected 21,918 responses from post-secondary international students across 84 universities, colleges, and polytechnic institutes in 10 provinces. CBIE’s institutional membership comprises more than 170 colleges, universities, polytechnics, CEGEPs, language schools, K-12 institutions, and school boards across Canada.
Commenting on the findings, Marlene Olsavsky, Country Lead at Duolingo English Test, said, “Indian students are among the most globally ambitious learners, and Canada continues to offer a powerful combination of world-class education, inclusive communities and strong career pathways.
