Increased graduate student numbers and an influx of first-year high school students are reflecting the University of Lethbridge’s continued transformation into a comprehensive research and teaching university.

Students enrolled in graduate programs at the U of L increased from 458 students to 533, an increase of 16.4 per cent.

“While the University of Lethbridge remains very committed to attracting undergraduate students from across Alberta, Canada and the world, this year’s increase in graduate students is reflective of the U of L’s continued maturation as a comprehensive university,” says Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Dr. Andrew Hakin. “In an increasingly competitive landscape for graduate students, the
U of L is a university of choice for these world-class students.”

Also significant is the growth of new high school students to the U of L, rising 11.3 percent to 1,142 students overall. This trend was also evident among Lethbridge high school student numbers as they rose from 168 in Fall 2012 to 221 in Fall 2013 – a 31.5 per cent increase.

“This is an important development for our university,” says Hakin. “The creation of two new Alberta universities has significantly decreased our transfer numbers from these institutions. We have made up the gap with an increase in new high school students. This strong first-year enrolment will add increased stability in the coming years as these new students move through their programs.”

The number of transfer students received by the U of L dropped from 982 students in Fall 2012 to 827 in Fall 2013.

International student enrolment is up 8.1 per cent from 447 to 483, with students representing 88 different countries.

Overall, the U of L’s total enrolment remained steady and currently sits at 8,311 students. The number of students attending the U of L’s Lethbridge campus increased slightly by 0.3 per cent.

Hakin says this year’s enrolment numbers are a positive trend for the U of L.

“The numbers suggest the institution is responding well to a changing and increasingly competitive landscape. We remain an institution of choice for local, provincial and international students. We remain committed to providing students access to a high-quality university experience,” says Hakin.