Postgraduate Research Global Update as of October 2025

Our unique Pulse trackers and Share of Search data provide insights on thousands of prospective students interested in Global PhD opportunities. As of October 2025, we’re seeing that:

• Interest in Canadian research continues to grow from all tracked audiences and it is now the 2 most sought after PhD destination for North Americans. Asian and African interest in Australian research also continues to grow, despite already being their top destination.
  
  
• All tracked audiences are currently more likely to seek Blended over Online study. However, On Campus remains the preference for all.
  
  
• Audiences for all tracked destinations are now focusing on Spring 2026 entry, with between 45% and 52% of each targeting it. Those interested in Ireland are the most likely to already be targeting Autumn 2026 (40%).
  
  
• Interest in AI research appears to have plateaued after months of continued growth. Despite this, it remains a top 5 specialism in Canada, the USA and Germany.