First-day numbers have shown that enrolment at the University of Manitoba for the 2012-13 academic year is a record 28,795, an increase of 2.9 per cent from Fall Term 2011, up from 27,992 students last year at this time. This fall’s first-day enrolment is well above the all-time record of 28,013, set in 2005. This fall’s increase follows a 1.5 per cent increase in 2011-12.

“The increase in first-day enrolment numbers is a clear message that the University of Manitoba continues to be the post-secondary institution of choice for students,” says David Barnard, president and vice-chancellor. “Our innovative programs, offering for example, research and service learning opportunities, contribute to our reputation as a place where students are challenged to transform themselves.”

Full-time enrolment increased from 23,257 students to 23,994 students, while part-time enrolment edged up from 4,735 to 4,801 students.

Undergraduate enrolment increased by 2.9 per cent, from 24,236 students in Fall Term 2011 to 24,948 students in Fall Term 2012. The largest increase was in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, with an increase of 16.1 per cent and an increase of 16.5 per cent in the School of Agriculture. In the Faculty of Dentistry, the School of Dental Hygiene had an increase of 16.3 per cent in enrolment. The Faculty of Engineering had an increase in enrolment of 15.2 per cent. The Faculty of Science and the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources also saw significant increases in enrolment this year.

Graduate enrolment increased significantly by 2.8 per cent, from 3,211 students in 2011-12 to 3,302 in 2012-13.

University 1 enrolment was slightly higher, at 6,780 students, 0.2 per cent higher than the 6,766 U1 students last year.

Credit hours increased by 2.7 per cent, from 279,342 in Fall Term 2011 to 286,804 in Fall Term 2012.

International enrolment increased 21.4 per cent, from 2,638 students in Fall Term 2011 to 3,203 students in Fall Term 2012. The increase was reflected at both the undergraduate and graduate level. International undergraduates increased by 23.9 per cent and graduates by 17.0 per cent. International students now make up 11.1 per cent of the University of Manitoba student population. At this time last year they made up 9.4 per cent of university students.

The 28,795 students enrolled at the University of Manitoba this fall represent about three quarters of Manitoba’s full-time-equivalent university students, and about half of the province’s post-secondary students overall.

Beginning this fall, a number of faculties/schools began admitting students directly from high school, therefore comparisons among units should be made with caution. These faculties and schools are: Agricultural and Food Sciences, Human Ecology, Kinesiology and Recreation Management, Dental Hygiene and Science.