Canadian Universities See Surge in U.S. Applicants Amid Trump-Era Visa Crackdowns

A growing number of students based in the United States are exploring higher education options in Canada, with several top Canadian universities reporting a rise in applications and inquiries for the 2025 academic year.

At the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, applications from U.S. citizens for graduate programs increased by 27% as of March 1 compared to the total submitted for the 2024 intake. The university even briefly reopened graduate admissions to fast-track candidates from the U.S. who still want to begin studies by this fall.

UBC Provost Gage Averill linked the rise in U.S. applications to growing discomfort among students, citing recent visa cancellations and heightened monitoring of international students’ digital presence by U.S. authorities.

He pointed to the recent establishment of a federal body monitoring international students’ social media, alongside broader concerns around academic freedom in the U.S.

U.S. Crackdowns Fuel the Shift

Under the Trump administration, several universities have faced financial and political pressure, with federal funding paused for institutions criticized for not addressing antisemitism on campus. This has coincided with the cancellation of student visas, particularly for those involved in pro-Palestinian protests.

As a result, American campuses have become less predictable for both domestic and international students. In response, institutions like the University of Toronto are reporting what they describe as a “meaningful increase” in applications from individuals based in the U.S.

Meanwhile, the University of Waterloo—renowned for its strong technical and engineering programs—has noticed a clear uptick in interest. Web traffic from the U.S. rose by 15% since last September, and more visitors from south of the border are touring the campus in person.

Several faculties have noted a rise in applications from students connected to the U.S. However, it’s not clear whether these applicants are American citizens or international students currently studying there.

Canadian Enrollment Cap Adds a Layer of Competition

While demand from U.S.-based students is climbing, Canada has recently implemented limits on the number of international students who can enter the country. For the second year in a row, the federal government has capped study permits, requiring institutions to scale admissions according to their housing and support capacity.

Provinces are tasked with managing how those spots are distributed across institutions. This means that even as interest grows, universities face tough decisions on how many international—and specifically U.S.—students they can accommodate.

Academic Climate a Key Concern

Beyond logistics, many students are being drawn to Canadian institutions for their perceived stability. In contrast, U.S. universities are facing intensified political interference, particularly around programs focused on diversity or environmental research.

Averill noted that his institution is seeing more inquiries from prospective students who are increasingly uneasy about studying in a system where academic policies are being influenced by federal politics. At present, UBC enrolls about 1,500 U.S. students across its two campuses.

While undergraduate application numbers remain relatively stable—up just 2%—interest appears to be rising. Tour requests from U.S. students have increased by 20%, suggesting the possibility of continued growth in future cycles.

The rise in U.S.-based applications to Canadian universities reflects more than just policy fallout—it may signal a broader shift in how students evaluate their higher education options. For now, Canada appears to offer a more predictable and open academic environment, though the cap on international students could limit how far this trend goes.

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