ApplyBoard, a leading international student mobility technology platform, has released its latest report. This in-depth analysis of international student search trends across Canada, the US, and the UK offers valuable insights into how Sri Lankan students are strategically aligning their study choices with high-growth global sectors, particularly healthcare, engineering, and STEM fields.
Key Insights on Sri Lankan Student Preferences
Surge in Healthcare Interest
- For Canada, the proportion of Sri Lankan student searches for healthcare programs increased by four percentage points, reaching 10% of all searches in 2024. This rising interest aligns with Canada’s growing healthcare sector, which is expected to face shortages of 78,000 doctors and 117,600 nurses by 2031.
- The US also saw a rise in interest in health fields, with Sri Lankan students increasingly looking at healthcare programs to align with global healthcare needs.
- For the UK, the number of Sri Lankan searches for health-related fields tripled. This field accounted for 9% of all Sri Lankan interest for the country.
Strong Demand for STEM Programs
- For the UK, interest in science programs surged among Sri Lankan students, rising to 16% of searches. This reflects a broader global shift towards research-driven fields, with STEM programs continuing to dominate as Sri Lankan students seek opportunities in innovation and technology.
- Sri Lankan student interest in engineering and technology programs also rose sharply, with 29% of searches in 2024, the highest proportion among major student populations. As the UK’s IT and engineering sectors expand, this trend aligns with the country’s workforce needs.
Alignment with Long-Term Workforce Demands
- As the UK’s healthcare sector expands and the demand for IT professionals grows, Sri Lankan students are positioning themselves to take advantage of these high-demand fields. This trend is mirrored across Canada and the US, where healthcare and STEM searches remain top priorities.
These trends demonstrate how Sri Lankan students are increasingly aligning their academic choices with high-demand career sectors, offering key insights for institutions looking to attract top international talent. By focusing on healthcare, engineering, and STEM programs, institutions can better align their offerings with students’ growing interests and global workforce demands.