Brandon University's official 2026-27 student numbers show increased domestic enrolment and the highest number of Indigenous students in at least the past 15 years.
A total of 3,262 students are registered for the Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 terms, up 2.4 per cent from last year. Indigenous enrolment increased 8.7 per cent to 589 students, while domestic non-Indigenous enrolment rose 3.9 per cent to 2,377 students.
Together, the two groups account for 2,966 students, an increase of 4.8 per cent.
"These numbers are an encouraging sign that our focus on being a university for our region is paying dividends," said Christine Bovis-Cnossen, President and Vice-Chancellor of Brandon University. "Our community and our neighbours look to BU for opportunities to learn, build careers and contribute close to home. In responding to local needs and ambitions, we show people that there is a bright future here."
Although preliminary numbers indicated similar growth earlier in the term, official student numbers are not recorded until a "census" on Nov. 1 each year. That's after the registration add and drop deadlines have passed.
"September gives us an early picture, but students' plans and course selections are still changing," said Andrea McDaniel, University Registrar. "Using Nov. 1 each year gives us a consistent basis for comparing student numbers and the volume of study they are undertaking."
The numbers show that it's not just more students; those students are also taking more classes. Full-time enrolment increased 6.9 per cent to 2,593 students and overall registered credit hours, which measures the amount of study that students are taking, increased 5.7 per cent.
Indigenous students continue to be BU's fastest-growing demographic, and Indigenous enrolment has grown by more than 30 per cent over the past three years. This year's total includes 514 undergraduate and 75 graduate students who have self-declared as Indigenous.
"Seeing more Indigenous students pursuing their education at BU is something to celebrate," said Chris Lagimodiere, BU's Associate Vice-President of Indigenous Initiatives. "Our commitments to reconciliation and decolonization means continuing to listen to students and communities, strengthening relationships, and addressing barriers. These results encourage us to keep building a university where all students belong and can pursue their goals."
The Faculty of Arts recorded its highest credit hours in at least a decade, increasing 6.5 per cent to 22,812. Arts credit hours have increased each year since 2022.
Credit hours also increased this year in Education, up more than 11 per cent, Health Studies, up nearly 9 per cent, and Science, up modestly just over 1 per cent. Music credit hours were steady, nearly the same as last year.
First-time student growth is also on the upswing. Brandon University welcomed 804 students who had never previously attended the university, up 1.9 per cent from last year. Their registered credit hours increased 9.5 per cent.
International enrolment continues to wane in the wake of federal government changes. As larger cohorts graduate out and are replaced by smaller incoming groups, the number of International students declined this year by 16.4 per cent to dip under 300 students. However, there is growth in the number of international students attending BU for the first time, which increased to 59 from 55 last year.
"Every student who chooses BU brings aspirations that matter to their family and their community," McDaniel said. "Our responsibility is to help them turn that opportunity into a rewarding university experience."
Success is built at Brandon University. Our growing, progressive campus welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that combines proud tradition with shared ambition. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. Join us at BrandonU.ca
