Universities in Atlantic Canada are reporting higher enrolment figures for the 2009-10 school year.

The Association of Atlantic Universities said Thursday its preliminary survey shows universities had a 1.5 per cent increase in undergraduate enrolment.

It says that ends a four-year decline.

The association said universities are also reporting an increase in graduate students, up by 5.4 per cent, and what it describes as a “remarkable” jump in international students, which is up by 16.5 per cent.

Colin Dodds, president of Saint Mary’s University in Halifax and chairman of the association, said the enrolment increases reflect the work schools are doing in marketing themselves.

“These positive enrolment results indicate the reputation of our universities for high quality programs and unique student experience is growing across Canada and worldwide,” he said in a news release.

He said he also believes that students and their families recognize the importance of a university education in the emerging knowledge-based economy.

– The Canadian Press