Countries like Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States U.S are expected to see significant job creation, which will naturally be available to foreign skilled workers, a report by ApplyBoard has projected.

The report titled: “Navigating Global Student Mobility: Top Trends in International Education for 2025 and Beyond projected that by 2030, individuals over the age of 65 will constitute more than 20 percent of the population in these countries.

This demographic shift will result in substantial gaps in the labour market, making international students vital in addressing workforce needs, the report in its fourth edition revealed.

These findings are particularly beneficial for Nigerian students aiming to study in these countries, as they will have a higher likelihood of joining the workforce after completing their studies.

By identifying these trends and opportunities, students can align their academic and career goals accordingly.

Here are the workforce needs of Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US) which can help potential students make a well-informed decision about where to study:

Canada’s future workforce needs

Nearly 8 million job openings are projected from 2022 to 2031.

High-demand sectors include:

Health care: +258,000 jobs

Education: +74,000 jobs

Finance: +62,000 jobs

Australia’s future workforce needs

The labour market is expected to grow by 14 percent (2 million jobs) by 2033.

Key sectors:

Health care and social assistance: +500,000 jobs (+25 percent)

Professional, scientific, and technical services: +234,000 jobs (+18 percent)

Education and training: +156,000 jobs (+13 percent)

UK’s future workforce needs

By 2035, employment is expected to grow by 4percent to 37 million people.

High-growth sectors include:

Health and social work: +349,000 jobs (+7percent)

Education: +100,000 jobs

Arts and entertainment: +9percent growth

U.S’s future workforce needs

6.7 million new jobs are projected between 2023 and 2033 (+4percent growth).

Key highlights:

STEM occupations: +10 percent growth

Health care and social assistance: +2.2 million jobs (1 percent CAGR)

IT and professional services: +1.6 million jobs (0.7 percent CAGR)

EU’s future workforce needs

Employment is forecasted to grow by 1percent between 2022 and 2035.

High-demand sectors:

Health and social care: +12 percent growth

Information and communications technology: +15 percent growth

Finance and insurance: +6 percent growth

European markets emerging for international students

International students are presented with a wider array of choices, challenging traditional destinations and positioning non-Anglophone countries as competitive alternatives for top student populations.

For instance, a 2024 Recruitment Partner survey spotlighted France and Finland as growing destinations for international students

France is experiencing a significant rise, hosting over 436,000 international students during the 2023/24 academic year—a 5 percent increase from the previous year.

However, experts caution that clarity is needed on the new centre-right government’s approach to international education.

Finland has also gained popularity. In 2024, Finland increased its appeal through key policy and structural updates.

Finnish universities reported a surge in applications for English-taught programmes, especially in healthcare, business, and IT, which is attributed to Finland’s 2022 reform, which streamlined the path to permanent residency for international students and their families, making the country a more attractive and stable option for those seeking post-study opportunities.

Additionally, Finland’s new Government Programme includes several proposals for international residents and students, such as a new application fee for the winter 2024/25 semester and increased tuition fees by August 2026.