Back to school

First-generation students, as the first in their families to attend university, show true resilience and determination in pursuing higher education. Canadian universities are here to back them up every step of the way, offering transformative education and essential support to help these students thrive and become tomorrow’s leaders.

How Canadian universities are making a difference for first-generation students

Load More loading icon

By the numbers

  • 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.

    Source: Fall enrolment survey, Universities Canada, 2023.
  • 88%
    feel prepared

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

    Source: Moving Mountains: Student Resilience Against the Cost of Living Pressures, Canadian Alliance of Student Associations, 2023.
  • 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%.

    Source: Jobs, vacancies, proportion of job vacancies and average hourly wage (Table 14-10-0328-01), Statistics Canada, 2023.
✕
Universities Canada