MARITIME PROVINCES HIGHER EDUCATION--University Enrolment, Credential Numbers Released

Enrolment at Maritime universities is up more than 13 per cent from 10 years ago and credentials granted has risen more than 22 per cent during the same period, according to

statistics released today, May 3.

The Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission released 2005-06 statistics on

enrolments and credentials granted for all public Maritime universities. Fifty statistical

tables and three databases are available for download from the Commission's website,

www.mphec.ca. There is also an interactive graph that allows users to select different

variables to see trends.

Statistical highlights include:

-- Total enrolments: Nova Scotia 43,721; New Brunswick 24,733; Prince Edward Island

3,878; and Maritimes 72,332. Enrolment in the region has declined 1.1 per cent over the

previous year, but has increased 13.1 per cent when compared with 1996-97.

-- About 88 per cent of total enrolment in the region is undergraduates; graduate students

are at 11 per cent.

-- International students make up 9.2 per cent of enrolment. This proportion has increased

about six percentage points since 1996-97.

-- In 2005, Maritime universities granted 15,380 degrees, certificates and diplomas. This is

up 1.7 per cent from 2004-05 and a 22.6 per cent increase from 1996-97.

The Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission was established in 1974. The 20

members are drawn from the Maritime provinces and represent higher education

institutions, provincial governments and the general public. Its mission is to assist

institutions and governments to enhance the post-secondary learning environment.

The Commission collects and maintains data about student enrolment and credentials and

conducts research on the Maritime postsecondary sector. Reports and research articles

are available on the website www.mphec.ca free of charge.

For more information, please contact Dawn Gordon, Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission, (506)453-2844 or email: gordond@mphec.ca

Media Contact: Island Information Service