Ontario high school students applied to university in record numbers this year. The Council of Ontario Universities reported that 84,300 students applied to the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre for fall admission, a 1.1 % increase over the record set in 2008 and 42% increase over the 59,197 that applied in 2000. This continues a pattern of steady and significant growth that has been occurring in Ontario, though not in other Canadian jurisdictions. The only year in which the total was higher was the “double cohort” year of 2003 when 102,618 applied following the cancellation of grade 13 causing two classes to graduate in the same year.

“People increasingly see the importance of a university degree to building a successful career in the knowledge economy, particularly when economic conditions are challenging,” says Dr. Peter George, Chair of the Council of Ontario Universities and President of McMaster University. “We will need to continue working closely with the Ontario government to ensure that we can accommodate the students and provide them with a high quality learning experience at a time when university budgets are under stress.”

The category of non-secondary school applicants, which includes former high school students, mature, transfer and out of province students, saw a remarkable 9.9% increase in applicants to 21,128, even though this group does not have to comply with the same January deadline as Ontario high school students. If this trend continues, the non-secondary applicants this year will ultimately exceed the record total of 44,165 in 2008. So far, about 3,500 of the 21,128 applicants in this category are Ontario high school students, who have taken a year out before going back to school. This appears to be a trend; many of these students take a few courses in their year out so they can increase their chances of getting into the program and university they most want.

During economic slow-downs in the past, there have typically been increases in the proportion of people wishing to attend university.

“Applicants know that this is a good time to attend university and get that degree or to upgrade their skills,” says Dr. Paul C. Genest, President of COU. “Universities are committed to ensuring that students have access to a great learning environment that will expand a student’s vision, hone their critical thinking and allow them to have meaningful careers.”

“While robust enrolment is a good news story, it also puts pressure on universities that are struggling to maintain programs,” says Genest. “Despite dramatic cost-cutting and efficiency measures, university operating budgets are under severe strain. Financial markets have dealt a sharp blow to pensions and endowments that support bursaries for students and research chairs.”

Genest added that, “we know from the $6.2 billion Reaching Higher plan and more recent investments how committed the McGuinty government is to student success and to research. We look forward to working closely with government as they consider the stimulus measures that will help keep our universities dynamic and able to accelerate Ontario’s recovery through innovation, developing talent and regional economic activity.”

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For further information, please contact:

Jennifer Grass
Senior Director, Communications and Public Affairs
416.707.6787
jgrass@cou.on.ca

Paul Genest
President & CEO
416.616.7231
pgenest@cou.on.ca