Facts and stats

Get the most up-to-date statistics on Canadian universities.

Overview

1.4M

students at Canadian universities

Universities welcomed approximately 1.16 million full-time and 444 thousand part-time students to campus in fall 2025.
$48.6B

added to the Canadian economy

As a $48.6 billion enterprise in direct expenditures, universities are significant drivers of economic prosperity. They provide employment for close to 410,000 people.
410K

employees

The university sector employs over 400,000 workers across Canada, more than triple the direct employment of the automotive manufacturing sector.

Data tables

Work-ready skills

Universities are providing students with career-boosting opportunities

5.3M

jobs

By 2033, the Government of Canada projects more than 5.3 million jobs will require a university degree, increasing at an average rate of 1.5% per year.
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 $68,300 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

$19B

in R&D

The higher education sector performed $19 billion in research and development in 2024, accounting for 33 percent of total Canadian research and development.
909

startups

As of 2024, 909 startups dedicated to commercializing technologies from Canadian universities and their affiliated institutions were operational.
65%

of research costs are indirect

While federal grants typically fund the direct costs of research, such as personnel, equipment and materials, indirect costs can amount to 50 to 65 percent of total research costs.

Climate innovation

Universities are equipping Canada for a more efficient future

5.2K

climate researchers

There are over 5,200 climate researchers at Canadian universities.
39

campuses as living labs

39 Canadian universities use their campuses to research and test innovative sustainability practices and technologies while providing students with hands-on learning experiences.
698

climate-focused courses

There are almost 700 climate-focused continued education courses and hundreds of work-integrated learning experiences offered across Canada.

Student services

Universities are meeting students’ needs throughout their academic journeys

93%

provide university residence

93% of Universities Canada member institutions provide residence options for students.
52%

access campus mental health services

52% of students access their post-secondary institution's mental health services.
24K

students in work-integrated learning programs

An average of 24,000 students were placed in a work-integrated learning program, including co-ops, apprenticeships and internships, for each term in 2024.

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.