Facts and stats

Overview

1.5M

students at Canadian universities

Universities welcomed approximately 1.16 million full-time and 421 thousand part-time students to campus in fall 2023.
$45.1B

added to the Canadian economy

As a $45.1 billion enterprise in direct expenditures, universities are significant drivers of economic prosperity. They provide employment for close to 410,000 people.
115%

increase in jobs requiring a bachelor's degree

Since 2015, jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree increased by 115%. Jobs requiring higher qualifications increased by 170%.

Data tables

Indigenous education

Universities are closing the gap for Indigenous students

9.4%

Indigenous population increase

From 2016 to 2021, the Indigenous population in Canada grew 9.4%, almost twice the pace of Canada’s non-Indigenous population growth.
114K

additional graduates

There could be 114,070 additional First Nations post-secondary graduates if we work to close the education gap by 2041.
$233B

economic gain

If we close the education gap, Canada could see an economic gain of $233 billion.

Work-ready skills

Universities are providing students with career-boosting opportunities

88%

feel prepared

88% of students say their courses will positively impact their ability to secure a job in their field of study.
74%

benefit from work-integrated learning

74% of bachelor’s students who participated in a work-integrated learning opportunity said it helped them find a job after graduation.
24%

more earnings

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree earn on average $68.3 thousand dollars per year, 24% more than the national average income.

Research and innovation

Universities are positioning Canada as a global leader in research and innovation

$17B

in R&D

Universities performed $17 billion in research and development in 2023, accounting for 35 percent of total Canadian research and development.
300

patents in 2022

University research institutes issued over 300 patents in 2022 alone.
875

startups founded

875 startup companies dedicated to commercializing technologies developed at Canadian universities and research institutions.

Climate innovation test

Universities are equipping Canada for a more efficient future

7K

climate researchers

There are over 7,000 climate researchers at Canadian universities.
70

research centres and institutes

Over 70 climate-related research centres and institutes are spread across the country.
40

campuses as living labs

Over 40 Canadian universities use their campuses to research and test innovative sustainability practices and technologies while providing students with hands-on learning experiences.

Student services

Universities are supporting students holistically throughout their academic journeys

93%

provide university residence

93% of Universities Canada member institutions provide residence options for students.
50%

access campus mental health services

50% of students access their university’s mental health services.
5.6K

work-integrated learning programs

80 universities across Canada offer over 5,600 work-integrated learning programs (including co-ops, apprenticeships and internships).

Studying across borders

Universities are developing students with cross-cultural skills and adaptability

62%

of study abroad participants found career direction

62% of participants found studying abroad provided direction for their post-graduation plans.
84%

found increased global networks

84% of study abroad participants increased their professional network outside of Canada.
89%

feel more adaptable

89% of study abroad participants feel more adaptable in diverse contexts due to their international experience.

Priorities

Programs and scholarships

About

News

Overview

1.5M

$45.1B

115%

Data tables

Tuition fees by university

Enrolment by university

Indigenous education

9.4%

114K

$233B