New university enrolment figures show increases in international, grad students

Ottawa – Canada is increasingly an education destination of choice for top university students around the world. New university enrolment figures from all provinces except Quebec show that the number of international students in these provinces has increased 12 percent this fall. (Quebec figures are expected in November.)

The increases in international student enrolment are reflected in the growth of Canadian students as well, with an increase of 3.4 percent in the graduate student population and two percent among undergraduates.

AUCC says that the overall upward trend in enrolment demonstrates the value that students continue to put on higher education in Canada.

According to federal government estimates, 75 percent of new jobs in the coming decade will require postsecondary education. Between 2010 and 2020, AUCC estimates there will be 2.1 million jobs created for university graduates. During their careers university graduates will typically earn $1.3 million more than those with a high-school education alone. The lifetime income advantage for a bachelor’s graduate over a registered tradesperson or college grad working full-time is $1 million.

“Students and their families recognize that university remains the surest path to prosperity,” said Mr. Davidson. “University graduates routinely earn much higher incomes and experience more stable employment than those without a university education.”

Having international students in university classrooms provides value for Canadian students as well.

“The presence of students from around the globe on Canadian campuses enriches the education experience for all students,” says Paul Davidson, president of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. “Living and learning alongside students with different perspectives, languages and cultures helps Canadian students develop the international awareness in demand by today’s employers.”

According to a July 2012 federal government report, international students pursuing their education in Canada generate 81,000 jobs, nearly $8-billion in spending and more than $445 million in government revenue.

AUCC is the national voice of Canada’s universities, representing 95 Canadian public and private not-for-profit universities.

-30-

Media Contact:

Helen Murphy, Communications Manager
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canad
hmurphy@aucc.ca
613-563-1236 ext. 238 Cell. 613-608-8749