University Application Numbers Are Up Across Ontario

University applications in Ontario continue to increase.

Applying for university in Ontario next year? You’re not alone.

According to statistics released earlier this week by The Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), 88,626 high school students applied to university last year, a 2.4 per cent increase from the previous year.

“The continuous increase in demand for postsecondary education shows the importance that students place on the knowledge economy,” said Sheldon Levy, Chair of The Council of Ontario Universities (COU) and President of Ryerson University.

He added, “At least two-thirds of the jobs being created today will require some higher education. Increased application and applicant numbers show that universities will continue to contribute highly skilled and adaptable graduates to the workforce throughout our province.”

As a whole, the OUAC reports that they received a total of 383,403 applications, a 2.2 % growth compared to last year and a 49% growth compared to 2000.

The OUAC also reports that the numbers for mature students, those taking a gap year, or transferring from elsewhere are also increasing. Even though the final numbers aren’t available yet, this group (A.K.A “105 Applicants”) has submitted 19,002 applications, which is up 2.6% from this time last year.

“A well-educated population will provide competitive advantages to our province and our country, because it will provide a pool of talent to exploit business opportunities and contribute to social innovation,” says Bonnie M. Patterson, COU President and CEO.