University Enrolment Increases in 2009-10

NOTE: Enrolment data for Nova Scotia's 11 universities follows this release.

Enrolment in Nova Scotia universities has risen 2.2 per cent this year.

Total full-time and part-time enrolment at the province's universities is 42,628, data compiled by the Association of Atlantic Universities has found.

The increase of 928 students ends a four-year trend of modest enrolment declines. Last year, enrolment dipped 0.1 per cent.

"I am pleased even more young people are recognizing Nova Scotia's world-class universities," said Education Minister Marilyn More.

"We know that there is stiff competition for enrolment at post-secondary institutions around the world. That's why the government of Nova Scotia is offering students less expensive tuition, low-interest student loans and more grants. We are also encouraging them to build a life here with initiatives like our new Graduate Retention Rebate."

Dalhousie University led the province with 650 more students (a 4.2 per cent increase) this year, bringing Dalhousie's enrolment to 15,970. The top percentage gain is at Nova Scotia Agricultural College, with an 8.5 per cent increase (71 students for a total enrolment of 904).

Seventeen universities in the Atlantic region form the Association of Atlantic Universities. Its preliminary enrolment data is a count of students enrolled in participating universities as of Oct. 1.

The full report can be found at www.atlanticuniversities.ca .

Preliminary enrolment figures for Nova Scotia universities with change in enrolment and change as a percentage.

• Acadia University, 3,621 (128, 3.7 per cent)
• Atlantic School of Theology, 125 (-15, -10.7)
• Cape Breton University, 3,107 (81, 2.7)
• Dalhousie University, 15,970 (650, 4.2)
• University of King’s College, 1,169 (40, 3.5)
• Mount Saint Vincent University, 3,963 (1, 0)
• Nova Scotia Agricultural College, 904 (71, 8.5)
• NSCAD University, 1,027 (-16, -1.5)
• Universite Sainte-Anne, 586 (9, 1.6)
• St. Francis Xavier University, 4,875 (-35, -0.7)
• Saint Mary's University, 7,281 (14, 0.2)