International Partnerships

For over 40 years, Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) has championed education, training and innovation on a global scale.

As the national and international voice of Canadian colleges and institutes, we link member institutions to partners all around the world. Our members’ expertise contributes to reducing poverty and inequality, especially for women, youth and disadvantaged populations, by transforming post-secondary education systems and providing employment-based training.

Our Programs Around the World

CICan works with members and partners to create mutually beneficial opportunities at home and abroad:

Services to members

Champion Canadian colleges and institutes with governments, national associations, international financial institutions as well as other international bodies, and promote the work they do to improve applied education on a global scale
Provide opportunities for Canadian colleges and institutes to build strong, meaningful collaborations with the right overseas partners
Support colleges and institutes looking to develop international strategies individually tailored to each institution
Support the recruitment of international students and work with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to develop efficient student permit processes
Host an annual International Leadership Development Institute for emerging leaders in our members’ international departments

Services to international partners

Access to Canadian institutions willing to share their experience and expertise in applied education and training, tailored to local communities and employers’ needs, in order to support the transformation of education systems
Capacity building of education systems, curriculum development, teacher training and leadership development
Support and linkages in order to implement reforms in a variety of sectors, such as environmental policy, gender equality and inclusiveness
Expertise in applied research and engaging with the private sector to improve employment outcomes and stimulate local economies

International leadership

Host the Pan-Canadian Centre for UNESCO-UNEVOC
Champion our members’ interests in the Canadian Consortium for International Education and the federal International Education Strategy
Advocate for student mobility funding, to support more Canadian students going abroad, and for international applied research and innovation opportunities
Outgoing Chair of the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP)

CICan and Scotiabank

Partners for international recruitment

The Scotiabank GIC program enables international students to meet the requirements of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada study permit application guidelines and provides access to funds to help pay for living expenses while studying in Canada. CICan and Scotiabank aim to create an environment where international students can not only reach their own objectives, but also feel at home in Canada and better contribute to Canada’s growth and development.