The number of high school students applying to Ontario’s universities is up 1.8 per cent over last year, demonstrating that post-secondary education is recognized as key to a brighter economic future for graduates, the Council of Ontario Universities said Thursday in a written response to the 2017 provincial budget.

“Ontario’s universities are seeing the positive impact on accessibility and enrolment of the government’s OSAP reforms,” said council president David Lindsay. “We will now work with government to find ways to support the growth universities have absorbed over the years, and to invest in a quality university system we know plays a role in a strong future for Ontario.”

According to the release, while enrolment at Ontario’s universities has grown by 65 per cent since 2000, operating grants from the provincial government have not kept pace

The council praised several measures, including work-related learning opportunities for students through the $190-million Career Kick-Start Program, and research internships through the Mitacs Accelerate and TalentEdge programs. Read the entire release on the council’s website.