The journey for many international students, particularly those from African nations, begins with exploring high-demand programmes across diverse locations, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, the UK, and the U.S. Reports from sources such as ApplyBoard indicate that career aspirations, economic trends, and global job market demands, particularly among students from Ghana and Nigeria, are influencing these choices.
In 2024, the most sought-after career paths among African students align with fields that promise high employability, career advancement, and opportunities for international migration. Key trends highlight strong interest in business, health, and science disciplines, with the UK, Canada, and the U.S. remaining leading destinations. These preferences reflect students’ desire to equip themselves with in-demand skills and knowledge to secure successful careers globally.
READ ALSO: Education, Partnerships, and the Future of Learning in Africa
Enrolment Surge: International Students Make Their Mark
International student enrolment statistics across the UK, Canada, and the U.S. indicate consistent growth, underscoring the increasing significance of these destinations for global education.
Canada: In 2023, Canada experienced a surge in international students, with the number of active study permits reaching 1,040,985—a significant 29% increase from the previous year, according to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
United Kingdom: The UK higher education sector also saw substantial growth, hosting a record 758,855 international students in the 2022/23 academic year, marking a 12% rise from the previous year.
United States: The U.S. continues to attract a large number of international students, with 1,126,690 students from over 210 countries enrolled in higher education institutions during the 2023/24 academic year, reflecting a 7% increase. New international student enrolment remained steady at 298,705, maintaining pre-pandemic levels.
Key Trends: Health, Business, and Science Lead the Way
The latest data reveals significant trends in the preferred fields of study among international students from Ghana and Nigeria:
Health Programmes on the Rise: Interest in health programmes in Canada surged in 2024, reflecting a growing focus on this sector among international student populations. Ghanaian and Nigerian students showed a particularly strong preference, with interest rates rising to 21% and 20%, respectively—each reflecting a five percentage point increase.
Business in Demand: Business courses remain highly attractive, particularly to Ghanaian students, with the UK being their top destination at a 26.3% interest rate. This demand reflects their aspiration to acquire business acumen and build careers in a range of industries.
The Sciences Hold Strong: STEM fields continue to be a major draw, especially for Nigerian students in the U.S., where 18.3% have expressed interest. Ghanaian students also show strong interest, underscoring the importance of science-based careers in their ambitions.
The Road Ahead: Adapting to Evolving Preferences
As the preferences of African students continue to evolve, universities and educational institutions must adapt their recruitment strategies to meet the growing demand for high-value programmes. By understanding trends in career aspirations, analysing search patterns, and monitoring enrolment statistics, institutions can better position themselves to attract top students from Africa and support their journey towards a brighter future. The focus should be on offering programmes that equip students with the skills and expertise necessary to thrive in the global job market.
