Martin Basiri (CEO, ApplyBoard): Why International Students Will Be Key to Our Pandemic Recovery

When it comes to international studies, Canada is a top pick for students thanks to the quality of our education system and multicultural reputation. According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education, the years between 2010 and 2019 saw a 154 percent increase in international students visiting Canada, 60 percent of which planned on pursuing permanent residence. In 2021 alone, there were 621,565 international students in Canada across all levels of study. It’s true that Canada is a nation known for its diversity, and that extends to post-secondary campuses across the country. But for many who make their way over to pursue academic studies, the experience can be daunting. Such was the cause for Martin Basiri. After experiencing hurdles as an international student from Iran, he formed his recruitment platform, Applyboard, with his brothers Meti and Massi. Today, ApplyBoard has helped over 300,000 students in over 125 countries, secured over $50M in scholarships, and solidified partnerships with over 1500 schools in a bid to drive up diversity and international minds across campuses in Canada, the US, and the UK. With over 1500  team members around the globe and a valuation of $4 Billion, the vision has always been singular: to provide easier access to education. In this episode, I’m joined by Martin to talk about empowering future talent through education, his entrepreneurial journey, and how we can all embrace a student mindset.