An increase of nearly 3,000 students represents a remarkable growth rate of 54 percent from the past year.
An increase of nearly 3,000 students represents a remarkable growth rate of 54 percent from the past year.
Cape Breton University in Atlantic Canada has recently made headlines due to an astonishing surge in enrollment.
The university’s newly released figures for the academic year 2023-24, published on Oct. 13 by the Association of Atlantic Universities, reveal that CBU’s total full-time student enrollment now stands at 8,517.
This marks an impressive increase of nearly 3,000 students, representing a remarkable growth rate of approximately 54 percent compared to the previous year, as reported by Erudera.com.
The driving force behind this significant growth is the influx of international students who have chosen Cape Breton as their educational destination. The Association of Atlantic Universities, an organization representing seven public institutions offering college programs in Atlantic Canada, pointed out the pivotal role that international students have played in CBU’s recent success.
Influx of international students
In a press release, the AAU said that Cape Breton University has been particularly successful in attracting international students, adding nearly 3,000 more international students to its roster.
Cape Breton University’s main campus, located in Sydney, Nova Scotia, now boasts the second-highest student enrollment in the province, trailing only behind Dalhousie University. The data indicates that the total number of full-time and part-time students at Cape Breton has reached 9,100, with international students constituting an impressive 76 percent of the student body.
Each year, CBU plays host to approximately 7,000 students from over 70 countries worldwide, reflecting the university’s diverse and inclusive character.
Diverse educational portfolio
Established in 1951, Cape Breton University offers a wide range of academic programs spanning various fields of study. This diverse educational portfolio has undoubtedly contributed to its appeal to students from around the globe.
Rob Summerby-Murray, President of Saint Mary’s University and Chair of the Association of Atlantic Universities, disclosed the broader importance of internationalization in Canadian campuses. He stressed that diversifying the student population through the enrollment of international students is not only essential for the economic prosperity of the region but also crucial for fostering social progress.
Given the geopolitical tensions prevailing globally, universities must prioritize creating an environment where students feel safe and welcome on their campuses and within their communities.
Other universities
While Cape Breton University stands out with its remarkable enrollment growth, other universities across the province have experienced more modest increases. For instance, at St. Francis Xavier University, a public institution in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, the number of students has only risen by 22, from 5,789 to 5,811, between this year and last year.
This contrast signifies the unique appeal and strategies employed by CBU to attract, recruit, and accommodate international students, making it a beacon of growth and diversity in Atlantic Canada’s educational landscape.
Cape Breton University’s impressive enrollment growth, fueled primarily by a surge in international students, represents a notable success story for the institution and the region. This achievement not only highlights CBU’s commitment to offering quality education but also underscores the broader benefits of internationalization for regional development and social cohesion.
As Cape Breton University continues to thrive and expand, it serves as a compelling example of the positive impact of global education partnerships.
