The appeal of the United States and Canada as preferred destinations for higher education among international students has declined sharply in recent years, according to ITB Education, a global provider of overseas education services.

Founded by the Australian government in 1969, ITB Education supports students worldwide by offering guidance on choosing degrees, universities, and departments, as well as assistance with applications, exams, visa procedures, and preparation planning. The organisation also conducts the widely recognised English language proficiency test IELTS.

Piyush Kumar, Regional Director for South Asia, Canada, and Latin America at ITB Education, explained that political developments have directly influenced students' choices. He pointed out that even before Donald Trump assumed the US presidency, visa approval rates had started to decline. Speculation about stricter immigration rules and new tax measures under his administration further reduced student enthusiasm.

Data from ITB shows that the number of students aspiring to study in the US dropped by 46.4 percent in May 2025 compared to May 2024. Canada has seen an even steeper fall, with interest plunging by 70 to 75 percent over the past two years.

Kumar attributed Canada's decline largely to the strained diplomatic relationship between India and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The confrontational stance adopted during his tenure created uncertainty and discouraged Indian students, who form one of the largest groups of international applicants to Canadian institutions.

While destinations like the US and Canada are losing ground, ITB Education continues to guide students toward other popular study hubs such as Australia, the UK, New Zealand, and Ireland, which are perceived to offer more stable policies and welcoming environments for international learners.