With a 9.6% rise in the overall number of students at Polytechnique, compared with a 3.7% average in the Québec university network, Polytechnique's scientific rigour continues to enhance the institution's reputation and be an important part of the picture.

Undergraduate enrolment continues to grow, with an 8.3% increase in the number of registrations compared with the fall of 2009. "This continuous rise can be explained in part by the creation of exclusive programs in biomedical engineering and aerospace engineering," says Pierre Lafleur, Director, Teaching and Training. "Other factors include the introduction of a new bachelor's-level program and an ongoing recruiting drive. More than ever, our education is keeping pace with the engineering profession and reflects the scientific rigour that is building out reputation."

It should be noted that postgraduate levels continue to be part of an upward trend, with a strong 13.7% increase in full-time student enrolment. The outstanding competence of the professors, leading-edge laboratories, research budgets that are among the highest in Canada and the attraction of green buildings are particular factors in drawing more students. The establishment of accelerated doctoral paths and access to more grants play a major role. Higher recruitment among NSERC scholarship recipients is also significant.

From an international standpoint, Polytechnique has a strong showing, with 1,596 foreign students out of a total enrolment of 6,685. They account for nearly 24% of the student body, three times the average among Québec universities. At the doctoral level, 43% of our students come from abroad. It is noteworthy that more than 50% of our students at every level are born outside Canada. Polytechnique is, very clearly, an institution that is open to the world.

The presence of women at Polytechnique has remained stable. Women account for 22.6% of enrolment at all levels combined and 26.4% at the master's and doctoral levels.

To read the news release from Conférence des recteurs et des principaux des universités du Québec, visit: www.crepuq.qc.ca/spip.php?article1264&lang=fr