Technology and unique program mix driving record international enrolment growth at Ontario's newest university
October 18, 2005
OSHAWA, Ont. - A record number of postsecondary students from around the world are calling the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) home - at least for the next four years. Ontario's newest university received more than 800 international applicants for enrolment in fall 2005, a 43 percent increase over 2004, and a 221 percent increase over international enrolment in fall 2003.
"Already international students make up five percent of UOIT's full-time student population, a remarkable achievement for such a young university," according to Kelly Dodson, director of International Recruitment at UOIT.
In just two short years, international enrolment at UOIT has grown to over 150 students. This fall, UOIT welcomed 90 new international students including three international graduate students enrolled in the new Master of Information Technology Security program. As well, an additional 20 international students have received offers of admission to UOIT and will begin working toward their degrees once they have completed UOIT's English for Academic Purposes program.
"Many of our international students tell us that our unique program offerings combined with our technology driven campus are key factors in their decision to attend UOIT," said Dodson. "The idea that they can gain the latest academic knowledge and practical skills in a laptop-based environment is very appealing."
The chance to study at a laptop-based university is one of the top reasons that Shan Shan Cao, a second-year student from Harbin, a northeastern town in China, chose to pursue a Commerce degree at UOIT. "I was impressed by the image of the campus with its brand- new buildings and laptops everywhere," said Cao. "One of the primary purposes of studying overseas is to learn from the other country by immersing yourself in its environment and culture. UOIT and Oshawa both have a competitive edge that is teaching me a lot about the business world."
According to a new Statistics Canada study on University enrolment, several factors may be influencing the increase of foreign students. These include strong economic growth in leading Asian countries such as China, new university marketing strategies to counter competition from institutions in other countries; changes in immigration policies; and provincial agreements with other countries to attract foreign students.
UOIT began actively recruiting international students to its campus in January 2004. Since that time, UOIT representatives have travelled to Bahrain, China, India, Pakistan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, and the United States to promote the university to high school students.
More international students from the Greater Toronto Area are also choosing UOIT. The university posted a 32.5 percent increase in the number of international applicants from local high schools in the GTA, compared to fall 2004.
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About the University of Ontario Institute of Technology
As the province's newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology provides a unique combination of academic knowledge, vibrant student life, leading-edge research, and hands-on skills. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, UOIT offers career-focused undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business and information technology, sciences, engineering, nursing, social science, and education.
The university is committed to research excellence and has attracted significant research grants and awards including a Tier 1 Research Chair. Sharing facilities and selected services with Durham College, UOIT has attracted over 3,000 students since its inception in 2003. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.
About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.
Media contact
Heather Middleton
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.3111 ext. 2197
heather.middleton@dc-uoit.ca
