UM continues record level of enrolment

First day numbers are in, and show that enrolment at the University of Manitoba continues at a record high level.

Student enrolment for the first day of classes is 29,793, surpassing the previous record of 29, 691 students in 2015, and marking the seventh consecutive year that the University of Manitoba has been above 29,000 students on the first day of classes.

“It is affirming for all of us who are a part of the University of Manitoba community and proud citizens of this province to see that once again growing numbers of individuals are choosing to pursue studies at Manitoba’s only research-intensive university,” says Dr. David Barnard, president and vice-chancellor. “We know these students, no matter what their backgrounds, are here to learn and grow as individuals, to position themselves for professional fulfillment and to make this world a better place. Those of us who are here to serve them, in our capacities as faculty and staff, have a responsibility that we take on with a deep sense of commitment and respect.”

Overall enrolment at the University of Manitoba increased 1.8 per cent from last year’s first day enrolment of 29,266. Full-time enrolment increased 2.4 per cent from 25,105 students to 25,709 students, while part-time enrolment was down slightly from 4,161 to 4,084 (1.9 per cent).

Indigenous enrolment has increased from 2,374 students in Fall Term 2018 to 2,426 students in Fall Term 2019, an increase of 2.2 per cent.

Undergraduate enrolment increased 2.0 per cent, from 25,119 students in Fall Term 2018 to 25,613 students in Fall Term 2019.

Graduate enrolment increased from 3,419 students to 3,476 students (1.7 per cent). As the province’s only research-intensive post-secondary institution, the University of Manitoba has made it a priority to attract increasing numbers of graduate students. Graduate students are the lifeline of innovation and competitiveness for Manitoba.

International enrolment increased 7.5 per cent from 5,407 students in Fall Term 2018 to 5,811 students in Fall Term 2019.

Faculties showing significant increases in enrolment include Arts (3.5 per cent), Education (6.1 per cent), and Science (6.8 per cent). The Rady Faculty of Health Sciences shows an increase of more than 30 per cent due to the continued effect of the introduction of direct entry by registration in the Fall Term 2017.

Undergraduate student credit hours were up 2.0 per cent from 275,707 in Fall Term 2018 to 281,171 in Fall Term 2019. Distance and Online Education credit hours increased 16.6 per cent from 27,135 credit hours in Fall Term 2018 to 31,638 credit hours in Fall Term 2019.

First day numbers are preliminary, and may change as students add or decrease their course loads during the beginning of classes. Final numbers will be released in November.

Chris Rutkowski