UPEI enrollment up three per cent

Early enrollment figures at the University of Prince Edward Island are reflecting an upward trend once again this year. Although official registration statistics won't be finalized until early October, UPEI is optimistic that more students than ever will choose to attend the Island's university this fall.

Information compiled on September 3 shows that, in comparison to the same date last year, the total number of students registered for the fall semester is up by three per cent. The number of full-time first-year students registered is 938, representing an increase of six per cent. Graduate student enrollment is up 16 per cent, and the number of new mature undergraduate students has almost doubled. UPEI has seen a significant increase in international students as well. They now make up nine per cent of the total student body.

'We are working extremely hard in every way we can to highlight the excellent quality of our programs, our faculty, and our learning environment at UPEI. These efforts are very important at a time when demographics are changing and there are fewer high school students available,' says Dr. Rosemary Herbert, Acting V.P. of Academic Development at UPEI. 'We are optimistic that our preliminary enrollment numbers will hold steady over the next few weeks.'

In 2008, a total of 4,245 students attended UPEI, its highest enrollment ever. It will be a month or more before the University will be able to confirm whether or not it has reached or exceeded that record for the coming year. Applications to UPEI are still being accepted. The 2009 fall semester begins on September 14.