Church Point (NS), September 30, 2019 – Université Sainte-Anne's full-time student population for the 2019-2020 academic year is 540 students. This figure far exceeds the previous record of 481 students set in 2008. It also represents a year-to-year increase of 146 students, or 37 %.
One of the targets of the institution's previous strategic plan, which ended in 2018, was to have 500 full-time students before September 2018. The target was therefore exceeded by forty students. While this achievement is a little behind schedule, the news is certainly very welcome.
“This achievement demonstrates that our recruitment and retention efforts, our culture of excellence in education and research, our willingness to remain engaged in our communities and our positioning as a leading institution in French-speaking Canada have all paid off. The work that we have done for several years, work that is guided by our strategic plan, has yielded strong results.”
- Allister Surette, University President and Vice-Chancellor.
The increase is across the board and cannot be attributed to any particular sector. It is spread over all our programs and demonstrates the diverse geographic origins of the new students.
High-quality French-language education and research, a warm and welcoming environment, safe and secure campuses and Université Sainte-Anne's focus on student success and engagement are important factors in recruitment and retention.
Moreover, as Nova Scotia's only French-speaking university whose French immersion program is recognised as one of Canada's best, Université Sainte-Anne is well-positioned to attract students seeking to perfect their French language skills. Most graduates are bilingual and benefit from great advantages in the job market.
“Sainte-Anne feels like a second home. From the first time I came for the immersion program, I have felt safe and supported. I not only learned a lot of French during my time at Sainte-Anne, but also learned to love the language and to never stop learning and loving it,” attests Kassidy Boutilier, a 2017 graduate of the Government Office Worker program and a former student of the 2014 and 2016 immersion sessions.
All signs indicate that the trend will continue for the start of the winter term in January 2020 and that our campuses will host a larger number of students than last year.
About Université Sainte-Anne
Université Sainte-Anne, the only French language post-secondary institution in Nova Scotia, offers university and college-level courses as well as a French immersion program and customized training in French as a second language. Recognized for its excellent programs as well as its unique and exceptional living environment, Sainte-Anne offers experiential learning opportunities that promote student engagement and success, and an atmosphere which encourages a culture of excellence in research and development. Solidly established in its community, Université Sainte-Anne is a partner of choice for all those who wish to strengthen the vitality of the regions surrounding its 5 campuses as well as all of Acadie throughout Nova Scotia.
For more information
Rachelle LeBlanc, Director of Communications and Marketing
Université Sainte-Anne
Tel.: 902-769-2114 Extension 7222
Email: