Lambton College is projecting an enrollment just shy of 5,000 students this year.
Senior Director of Community Engagement Diana Forbes said while they won't have final registration numbers until mid to late September, they're expecting about 4,900 total students; studying first year, second year, third year, and in cooperative education.
"We're looking at 3.4 per cent growth this year," said Forbes. "Again, those are not finalized numbers. That growth is coming directly from our students on the domestic side. We've seen an increased number to our skilled trades and technology programs post pandemic and so those programs are filling a little faster than they did last year."
Forbes said they're projecting the same amount of international students as last year.
"We're looking at about 2,900 international students, which includes first and second years," she said.
Forbes said there's still lots of time to apply to certain programs.
"We have waitlisted 16 of our programs this year, which is much higher, like I said... specifically in the trades and technologies," she said. "But, there's still time to apply. You can apply up until mid-September and we encourage people if they have any questions to email info@lambtoncollege.ca."
Forbes said staff and contractors have been busy getting the campus ready for the new year.
"There's work happening outside and inside, but we're all ready for our student orientation which kicks off August 30," said Forbes. "We have a lot of brand new chemistry labs. We also will be opening our welcome centre, once the bridge entrance is officially completed mid-fall this year, with a brand new campus shop."
Forbes said the bridge entrance is still under construction but they're expecting it to be complete in mid to late October.