Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has confirmed that student numbers at Ulster University's L'Derry campus have surpassed ambitious targets set by the Magee Taskforce.

Current enrolments for 2025/2026 stand at 6,505, exceeding the projected figure of 6,286.

The new data represents a 60% increase from the 4,060 students enrolled in 2021, marking a major milestone in the Executive's commitment to expanding the campus as part of the New Decade, New Approach agreement and the Programme for Government.

Minister Archibald said: "This figure is ahead of the projected and ambitious figure of 6,286 students which the Magee Taskforce set a year ago. This marks a significant milestone for Ulster University's Magee Campus, for the Magee Taskforce, and indeed for the City of Derry and the wider North-West. "I am delighted with the progress being made to deliver on the commitment to Magee, and to Derry. There is a tangible momentum building here and I am pleased that my Department is playing such a key role. However, there remains much more to do, and continued growth will require significant investment in teaching and student accommodation."

The expansion is viewed as a critical component of the Minister's regional balance agenda, aimed at stimulating economic and social growth outside of Belfast.

Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor of Ulster University, attributed the growth to sustained investment despite a challenging financial landscape.

He said: "We are pleased to be growing the Derry~Londonderry campus ahead of projected timelines. Ulster University Derry~Londonderry is a thriving and bustling campus, it is home to students and staff across all four faculties who enjoy living, studying and working in and contributing to, this vibrant city.

"We remain committed to working together to enact expansion and stimulate further economic, social, cultural and civic growth in the North West, in line with our strategic commitment for better regional balance."