Most international students prefer colleges over universities.

According to figures by IRCC, the number of international students enrolled in college programs is on the rise. In 2014, only 18% of study permit applications were made for college certificates and diploma programs. In 2018, this figure increased to 38.3% – Canada issued 133,761 study permits for college students. 57,768 (16.5%) study permits were issued last year to the international students enrolled in Bachelor degree programs, 28,793 (8.2%) study permits were granted to Master students and 5,302 (1.5%) to the Ph.D. students. In total, Canada issued 349,641 study permits in 2018.