Welcome to this week’s edition of Student Direct‘s The International Ed Brief – your weekly pulse on Canadian and global trends in international education. Each week, we break down the developments that influence student choices, shape institutional strategy, and transform global mobility.
In this week’s edition of the International Ed Brief: Canada reports a record surge in asylum claims by international students, and Ontario takes a significant step by investing $300 million in primary-care training. Meanwhile, the UK proposes a reduction in the Graduate Route work term to 18 months, and a recent International Student Barometer survey underscores the paramount importance of career impact in student satisfaction. On the digital front, short-form video content emerges as a dominant force in engaging prospective students, reflecting evolving marketing strategies in higher education.
Updates from Canada
- Record-high asylum claims by international students: In 2024, international students filed a record 20,245 asylum claims, with 2025 on track to surpass that number. This surge occurs even as Ottawa reduces the number of study permits issued. In the first three months of 2025, 5,500 asylum claims were filed by international students, marking a 22% increase from the same period last year. https://globalnews.ca/news/11172598/international-students-record-asylum-claims
- Ontario investing $300 million in primary-care training: Ontario introduced the Primary Care Act, 2025, investing up to CAD 300 million to establish 17 new community-based primary-care teaching clinics. This initiative aims to connect 300,000 more Ontarians to primary-care services, while providing essential training opportunities for healthcare students-including future family doctors, nurses, and physician assistants. Read more
- New study counters “citizenship convenience” myth: A Toronto Star–highlighted Statistics Canada report shows immigrants’ strong attachment to Canada over a decade – undermining the idea that citizenship is sought merely for convenience. Read here
From Around the Globe
- UK Plans to Reduce Graduate Route Work Term: The UK government released a white paper on May 12, 2025, outlining plans to reduce the Graduate Route work term to 18 months, signaling a shift in immigration strategy that could impact international students’ post-study opportunities. Read more
- ISB Survey – Career impact drives student satisfaction: A new International Student Barometer survey shows that 96% of students rate “future career impact” as the top factor when choosing where to study – outranking course title or institutional reputation. Institutions that embed career outcomes into the student experience are more likely to receive strong recommendations, especially as AI tools increasingly shape expectations. Read more
Digital Marketing Insight
- Short-form video dominates student engagement: Short-form video content – on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts – has become a cornerstone of higher education marketing. These brief, engaging videos are particularly effective in showcasing campus life, student experiences, and academic offerings in a format that resonates with Gen Z audiences. Read more
