Higher Education

Higher education

Competing for the next generation of learners. 

Canada’s higher education sector faces intensifying competition for students, funding, and public trust. Tuition freezes in several provinces and the federal government’s cap on international students are adding new pressures, forcing institutions to do more with less while competing harder for enrolment. At the same time, shifting expectations among high school students, growing parental influence, and changing perceptions of the value of college and university education are reshaping the landscape. 

Evidence that strengthens recruitment and advocacy. 

Abacus Data has worked with post-secondary institutions and higher education associations across Canada to bring these perspectives into focus. We’ve helped colleges and universities understand the preferences of high school students as they select their next step, supported Colleges Ontario with comprehensive research among students, parents, community members, and business leaders, and partnered with Universities Canada and Colleges and Institutes Canada to measure public opinion on their advocacy objectives. 

Insights to build reputation and impact.

Whether the goal is attracting prospective students, refining brand positioning, or strengthening government relations, Abacus Data delivers evidence-driven research that equips higher education leaders to act with confidence. By mapping expectations across audiences and uncovering the narratives that resonate most, we help institutions tell their story, win support, and secure their place in Canada’s education landscape.

• Public sentiment tracking on policy issues like domestic tuition freeze, federal cap on international students, value of higher education and academic research.  
• Reputation tracking and benchmarking  
• Campaign research – concept and message testing using quantitative and qualitative methods to understand which messages are most resonant with prospective students, parents, alumni, donors, and community leaders. 

From Precarity to a Prepared and Competitive Canada

Learn More

Building a Future-Ready Ontario

How Colleges Can Help Protect Jobs and Strengthen Communities

Learn More

The Future of Arts Education in the Age of Precarity

Learn More