Amidst changes in US policies affecting universities and foreign students, Canadian universities are experiencing a significant uptick in applications from American students. The University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus has seen a notable 27% increase in graduate applications from US citizens for the 2025 academic year compared to the previous year. Similarly, the University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo have observed a surge in US applications for their programs.

This spike in interest has been attributed to the Trump administration’s actions, such as revoking visas for foreign students and increasing scrutiny of social media activities. The administration’s freezing of federal funding for universities, along with deportation proceedings against some foreign students, has raised concerns about academic and speech freedoms in the US.

While Canada has also capped international student admissions for the second consecutive year, universities like the University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo are still seeing a rise in applications from US students. The increase in interest is evident through higher web traffic originating from the US and a growth in campus tour requests from American students.

As Canadian universities become more attractive options for American students seeking higher education, officials are emphasizing the importance of supporting the influx of international students while ensuring that institutions can provide adequate resources and accommodations. Despite these challenges, the trend of US students looking towards Canadian universities for their academic pursuits is on the rise, reflecting a shifting landscape in higher education.