TORONTO, Jan. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CourseCompare, Canada’s marketplace for education, which serves more than two million prospective students from more than 100 countries each year, has released its 2025 rankings of the best schools and programs in Canada. This year’s rankings examine over 45 categories including business schools, online universities, trade schools, and co-op programs, plus 10 new rankings including top universities, medical schools, and beauty schools, among others.
“Sweeping changes to international study permits, along with inflation and growing concerns about the impact of AI on the job market, are driving institutions to rethink priorities and focus on programs that deliver specialized skills and measurable career outcomes,” said Robert Furtado, CEO of CourseCompare. “Our 2025 rankings help students navigate these shifts and enroll in schools and programs best positioned to meet the moment.”
Changes in international student demand captured by CourseCompare between 2023 and 2024 were striking: a 16% drop in international student inquiries—including a 51% decline from India—highlights the sector’s urgent need for new strategies, such as enhanced government support and innovative, student-centered offerings, to navigate these challenges.
CourseCompare’s global learner data also revealed growing demand for programs that deliver clear career outcomes, fueled by economic pressures, rising tuition costs, and a rapidly evolving job market. Shorter, more flexible options—such as certificates and microcredentials—are gaining popularity, offering targeted training at lower costs and faster completion times. Meanwhile, demand for online and hybrid programs continued to expand across training types.
Reflecting these changes, CourseCompare’s dynamic, data-driven methodologies capture the evolving needs of students and the distinct characteristics of each discipline, setting it apart from other rankings produced nationally or internationally.
“The education sector in Canada is at a crossroads, challenged by shifting policies and evolving student expectations and labour market demands,” said Furtado. “CourseCompare’s 2025 rankings are a guide for students and a tool for institutions, helping them adapt to meet student and industry needs while driving meaningful improvement across this vital Canadian industry.”
This year’s rankings evaluated enrollment data, job placement rates, thousands of verified student ratings for faculty, curriculum, career support, and the overall learning experience, alongside employer reputation scores, graduate salaries, and graduation rates. Newly introduced categories, such as the best universities and medical schools, featured customized methodologies designed to address the unique priorities and opportunities within these fields, ensuring highly relevant and actionable insights for prospective students.
Key trends from CourseCompare’s 2025 rankings
CourseCompare’s 2025 Rankings
Beauty & Fashion - NEW
Beauty and Cosmetology Schools - NEW
Esthetician Schools - NEW
Fashion Schools - NEW
Hair Schools - NEW
Online Beauty Schools - NEW
Business
BBA & BCom Degrees
Business Schools
Change Management Certification
Executive MBA Programs
Online BBA & BCom Degrees
Online MBA Programs
Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
Colleges
Colleges in Ontario
Colleges in Toronto
Colleges in Vancouver
Co-op Programs
Co-op Programs
Creative Arts & Media
Acting Schools
Film Schools
Interior Design Programs - NEW
Healthcare
Medical Schools - NEW
Master’s in Counselling Psychology - NEW
Nursing Schools
International Students
Colleges for International Students
Immigration Consultants
Immigration Lawyers
Language Learning
French Courses
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Schools
Universities
Universities in Canada - NEW
Online Universities
Skilled Trades
Culinary Schools
Early Childhood Education (ECE) Programs
Massage Therapy Schools
Trade Schools
Technology
Coding Bootcamps
Cyber Security Certification
Data Analytics Certification
Data Science Bootcamps
Digital Marketing Certification
Master’s in Data Science - NEW
Product Management Certifications - NEW
Transportation
Driving Schools in Canada
Driving Schools in Mississauga
Driving Schools in Toronto
Driving Schools in Vancouver - NEW
Flight Schools
Truck Driving Schools
About CourseCompare
CourseCompare is Canada’s marketplace for education. In 2024, more than two million people from over 100 countries visited CourseCompare.ca to acquire in-demand skills or launch new careers in Canada. By connecting learners with over 400 schools and 8,000 vetted programs tailored to their goals, CourseCompare facilitated over 100,000 student connections to 50+ partner institutions nationwide, generating over $100 million in economic value for Canada’s education sector.
Media Contact
Jessica Robinson
1.800.750.1392
jessica@coursecompare.ca