Thompson Rivers University is processing a spate of last-minute applications giving hope of another sizable boost to enrolment.

“As of this week we’ve already equalled the number (of applications) we received last year,” said Josh Keller, who heads recruitment at the university.

“They’re continuing to come in.”

Following a five-year slide, the university recorded a six per cent increase in full time equivalent students last year. With a large and growing number of applications, the university hopes for another boost this year.

Officials said the success is due to new marketing efforts and a greater focus on attracting and retaining students. Keller said another significant factor is the Big Three universities raising grade-level requirements.

“They’ve pushed their (entrance) averages up… . We’re seeing a lot of those students on our doorstep.”

As a result, McGill and TRU residence housing projects are full and accepting names on wait lists.

Keller said many students were conditionally accepted at University of B.C., for example, based on a provisional grade on Grade 12 exams. If exams results were lower than the student expected, the university shuts the door.

“We’re seeing students who thought they might be going there who aren’t.”

University president Roger Barnsley said he is excited by the prospect of another year of enrolment growth.

“It’s paying off,” Barnsley said of more aggressive recruiting. “We’re delighted by that.”

Keller said the university is also seeing growth in employment-oriented certificate and employment programs, including human service worker, culinary arts and horticulture.

There is also growth in post-baccalaureate degree applications that allow students with undergraduate degrees to obtain specific training in business, for example.

Growth in international student numbers is also expected to be at least five per cent higher than in 2009.