Source: Junor, S., & Usher, A. (2004)
| Alberta | BC | NS | Ontario | Québec | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Males (%) | 7.3 | 7.1 | 5.4 | 7.7 | 5.9 | 6.9 |
| Females (%) | 7.2 | 9.9 | 4.7 | 8.9 | 6.6 | 8.0 |
| Gap (%) | -0.1 | 2.8 | -0.7 | 1.2 | 0.7 | 1.1 |
Source: Authors’ calculations using Statistics Canada Adult Education and Training Survey (2003)
The average age of Canadian university students has remained relatively constant over the past 40 years (Junor and Usher, 2004). While there are more students over the age of 30 in the university system, there has also been an influx of younger cohorts. In 1999, the average age of full-time university students was 22, compared to 21 two decades earlier (Junor and Usher, 2004). In fact over the 1990s, the average age of students declined as enrolment growth was driven by younger students. Figure 5.2 shows the age distribution of full-time university students for 1980, 1989 and 1999. The age trend for college students follows the same pattern and the average age of Canadian college students is also 22.28
28 The average age increases to 23 if CEGEP enrolment in Québec is not included. Students in Québec typically enter the college system at an earlier age than they do in the rest of Canada (usually at 17 years old).