A new survey commissioned by City St George’s, University of London has revealed that for Canadian students, a degree alone isn’t enough—it’s the promise of practical skills, work experience, and a clear path to employment that shapes their decisions on where to study.
The survey of 1,000 Canadian respondents, conducted by Arlington Research from May 30th to June 6th, 2025, found that employability factors outrank prestige or reputation for Canadian students weighing the decision to choose a U.K education. Among Canadian respondents, the most important features in selecting a university were overwhelmingly career-focused:
- 87% placed employability skills training among their top five criteria
- 83% cited work experience opportunities
- 78% prioritized post-study work options
“Canadian students are sending a clear message: they expect their university to help them build a career, not just award a degree,” said Gemma Kenyon, Director of Employability at City St George’s, University of London. “This is a shift that all of us in higher education need to understand and embrace. The blend of academic excellence and real-world experience is what makes studying in the U.K. such a compelling choice.”
The research also revealed that Canadian students see strong links between curriculum design and workplace readiness. Of those surveyed, 66% said skills and experience in their course content prepared them effectively for employment, while 54% said it helped connect learning to real job market needs.
“We know that Canadian students bring ambition, talent, and a global outlook,” added Kenyon. “They deserve an education that matches those qualities and empowers them to build a future without limits.”
About City St George’s, University of London
In August 2024, City, University of London merged with St George’s, University of London, creating a powerful multi-faculty institution. The combined university—City St George’s, University of London—is now one of the largest suppliers of the health workforce in the capital. It attracts around 27,000 students from more than 150 countries, and has been recognized for its strategic commitment to employability and professional development, combining rigorous academic study with strong partnerships across business, healthcare, law, and technology.
About Arlington Research
Arlington Research are a senior-led insight partner trusted by global brands, agencies, and organizations to deliver intelligent, credible research that drives decisions and tells compelling stories.
TEACH is the largest national education publication in Canada. We support good teachers and teaching, and believe in innovation in education.
