The University of Canberra has achieved its highest domestic student enrolment numbers since records were first kept. Additionally, between Semester One, 2025 and Semester One, 2026, ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú recorded the strongest growth in commencing domestic undergraduate enrolments in the sector.
Data shows ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú achieved the highest percentage growth in commencing domestic student enrolments across the sector of 11 per cent, reflecting growing confidence in the University's student-focused approach, and strong employment outcomes.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr congratulated the University on the highest ever number of enrolments.
“The attraction of students to Canberra is important. This highest ever number of enrolments is a great outcome, and something that we can continue to build on.
“What's critical is to ensure that ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú graduates and students from across our higher education system see a future in Canberra. We've done a good job to be one of the best student cities in Australia, and I want to see that continue to improve.”
Professor the Honourable Bill Shorten, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Canberra said this record intake of 19,432 commencing students can be attributed to the hard work of ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú staff, and their commitment to putting ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú students first.
“This has been a tremendous team effort, we have crossed the starting line, but the race is far from over. There is still plenty to come," said Professor Shorten.
The most significant growth in enrolments was recorded by the Faculties of Health and Education in the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five) (245%), Bachelor of Secondary Education (Arts) (175%), and Bachelor of Nursing (114%).
“Students know that when they come to ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, they will graduate with the skills and knowledge to enter the workplace with confidence. Our degrees are designed to prepare the next generation to hit the ground running,” Professor Shorten said.
“Students are choosing to come to a university where they will have a sense of belonging, receive high-quality education, be taught by subject-matter experts, make lifelong connections, and graduate with good employment prospects.”
The University has noted a significant uptake in postgraduate qualifications over the past two years of 16.4% percent to date. Courses such as the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) have more than doubled (245%) and the Master of Education increased by 188 per cent.
Professor Shorten noted that these improvements can be attributed to the development of qualifications that meet workforce needs, greater emphasis on recognition of prior learning and experience, and flexible course delivery.
“People lead busy lives balancing work, family and social responsibilities, but that doesn’t mean their desire to learn and progress has stopped. Meeting students where they are is ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s (not so) secret to success.
“This all aligns with our aspirational advertising campaign ‘U Can @ ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’ launched earlier this year, and I am incredibly proud of our collective success.”