They’re inventing biotechnology to fend off disease. They’re designing the fabric of our growing cities. They’re even creating the communications networks that will connect our toasters with our running shoes – and recent data shows a record-breaking number want to join their ranks.
They’re U of T engineers, who lead at the cutting-edge of their fields.
The Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering experienced an unprecedented number of applications for fall 2014. Overall graduate applications rose a dramatic 14 per cent, with domestic students surpassing 20 per cent since this time last year.
Undergraduate studies broke new records with applications from 11,291 prospective students. Those received from outside of Ontario increased 29 per cent since the same period last year. This fall, one in 10 applicants will have a place in U of T Engineering’s undergraduate programs.
“I am delighted to see the exponentially increasing interest from students across Canada and around the world,” said U of T Engineering Dean Cristina Amon. “It demonstrates the appeal of our innovative learning programs, world-renowned faculty and our vibrant student community.”
Graduate applicants have displayed a strong demand in the pioneering research opportunities at U of T. Overall applications to the Faculty’s master programs have risen over 16 per cent, with significant growth of 39 per cent in the Master of Engineering (MEng) programs. For PhD programs, domestic applications have also exceeded 27 per cent since this time last year.
Both graduate and undergraduate programs had double-digit growth in domestic and international applicants for fall 2014. Over 28 per cent of all undergraduate applications came from abroad, which continues a growing trend of international undergraduate students that have doubled on campus in the last decade.
“Many diverse students continue to be attracted to the growing range of unique programs and co-curricular activities at U of T Engineering,” said Micah Stickel, Chair, First Year Engineering. “They’re able to learn technical engineering competencies, while opportunities like our Entrepreneurship Hatchery, a new certificate in engineering leadership and our popular Engineering Business minor enhance their creativity, leadership and business acumen.”
Placements in the Professional Experience Year (PEY) internship program continue to rise amongst undergraduate students. This year, 63 per cent of third-year students gained valuable workplace experience vital to their career development – the highest participation yet.
Since 2006, the level of undergraduate student applications has risen over 75 per cent. Preliminary graduate applicants show an overall growth of 25 per cent over this period, without taking into account the many more applications the Faculty will receive in the months ahead.
“When I ask graduate students why they chose U of T Engineering, I receive the same response nearly every time,” said Markus Bussmann, Vice-Dean, Graduate Studies. “They tell me about the immense possibilities offered through U of T’s innovative research programs, by our faculty at the top of their fields, and by the chance to collaborate across the disciplines.”
