Enrolment at UPEI bucks regional trend, jumps by more than two per cent
The Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU) released today its 2017–18 preliminary survey of enrolments for universities in the Atlantic region. While enrolment at universities in the Atlantic provinces decreased overall in the last year (down by 0.4 per cent), UPEI’s student population went up by 2.6 per cent.
The growth at UPEI was led by a 4.5 per cent jump in full-time undergraduate students, and an increase in full-time international students of 12.8 per cent.
“This is exciting news from the AAU,” said Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, president and vice-chancellor of UPEI. “We have been stepping up our efforts in international recruitment, sending recruiters to meet with prospective students around the world. It’s very gratifying to see our investment coming back to us in the form of curious and engaged students. It also reflects the quality of the education we provide, in a location that is an attractive one to live and study.”
The total number of students at UPEI is now 4,549, up from 4,433 from last year. UPEI did see an overall drop of 6.8 per cent in the graduate student population (though with registrations after official data collection, the numbers are now closer to being on par with 2016–17). The full breakdown of enrolment figures from universities across the region is available on the AAU website.
The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island. UPEI is located on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People.
