Bermuda College enrolment rises for third consecutive year

Preliminary Fall 2026 census records 616 students, with growth led by Allied Health and further increases in Arts & Science and Business

Bermuda College enrolment has increased for the third consecutive year, with 616 students recorded in its Fall 2026 Census Day Report.

The total represents an increase of 24 students, or 4.1%, from 592 in Fall 2025. Enrolment has risen by 64 students, or approximately 12%, since falling to 552 in Fall 2023.

The latest figures remain below earlier levels, including the 687 students recorded in Fall 2020, but show three successive annual increases from 552 in Fall 2023 to 565 in 2024, 592 in 2025 and 616 this year.

Dr David Sam, President of Bermuda College, said the figures reflected the collective work taking place across the College.

“These results are encouraging because they show sustained progress over three consecutive years,” Dr Sam said.

“That progress belongs to the people across Bermuda College. Our faculty, staff and every employee play a part in supporting our students and strengthening the College, and I want to thank them for the commitment and hard work that sits behind these figures.

“We also recognise that there is more work to do. Enrolment remains below earlier levels and we must continue building on the progress we have made. But the direction is clear. Bermuda College is absolutely on the right path.”

The census shows growth across several programme areas.

Arts & Science remained the College’s largest programme area with 223 students, up from 221 in Fall 2025, while Business increased from 154 to 162 students.

Allied Health recorded the largest increase, rising by 20 students from 42 to 62, an increase of 48%. The preliminary report says this is the highest Allied Health enrolment since the area began in Fall 2020.

Together, Nursing and Allied Health now account for 15% of programme students, the highest proportion recorded in the ten-year period covered by the report. Nursing remained unchanged at 24 students.

Technical Education recorded 85 students, compared with 89 in Fall 2025. Hospitality enrolment was 30, down from 40 a year earlier.

Overall, 586 of the College’s 616 students, or 95%, are enrolled in programmes. A further 30 are non-programme students.

The figures also show increased participation in professional and continuing education through the Athora Division of Professional and Career Education, APACE.

APACE recorded 522 participants in Spring 2026, compared with 349 in Spring 2025 — an increase of 50% and the highest spring participation figure since Spring 2021.

Nasir Wade, Chair of the Bermuda College Board of Governors, said the results reflected sustained work across the institution.

“The Board recognises the considerable effort behind this progress,” Mr Wade said.

“Faculty, staff and employees across Bermuda College have worked hard to support students and strengthen the institution, and they deserve our recognition and thanks.

“Dr Sam has provided focused and determined leadership as the College continues this work. These results are encouraging, and the Board will continue to support his leadership and the College team as they build on the progress that has been made.”

Dr Sam said the College would remain focused on sustaining the improvement.

“We cannot be complacent. Our responsibility now is to keep moving forward, strengthen the areas that are growing, address the areas where further work is needed and continue creating opportunities that meet the needs of our students and Bermuda,” he said.

“The progress is significant, but our focus remains firmly on what comes next.”