Niagara College is Canada’s leader in experiential learning and was ranked as the #1 Research College in Canada in 2023 and 2024. Located in the heart of the Niagara Region – just minutes from well-known tourism destinations –Niagara College offers 120+ programs. Our two state-ofthe-art campuses provide unique living laboratories and top-notch facilities that offer hands-on education and training in diverse fields, all closely integrated with industry to cultivate job-ready skills.
Land Acknowledgment
Niagara College acknowledges its Niagara-based campuses are located on the shared traditional lands of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee. We offer our sincere gratitude to them as the stewards of this land, which is protected by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum agreement’s three principles: to take only what you need, leave enough for others, and always keep the dish clean. Today, many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities from across Turtle Island continue to live and work in this territory. Acknowledging the peoples whose territory we are on, and the agreements that guide their stewardship of the land, reminds us to reflect on and respect their unique relationship to this land. It also is an invitation for all of us to identify and engage in actions that respect and reinforce our commitments to Truth and Reconciliation and Indigenous Rights, including the Colleges and Institutes Canada Indigenous Education protocol.
A Message from Niagara College’s Vice-President of International, Sean Coote
It is my pleasure to share Niagara College’s Global Annual Report for 2024-2025 –a reflection of our collective commitment to advancing global learning, inclusion, and international engagement inside and outside the classroom.
Together, we continue to bring the world to Niagara, take Niagara to the world, and prepare world-ready graduates and staff – advancing our role as catalysts for global empowerment and inclusive learning.
Despite a year marked by shifting policy landscapes – most notably, federal policy changes to Canada’s international student program and a temporary provincial moratorium on offshore activities – Niagara College remained resilient, adaptive, and focused. While these changes presented challenges that have impacted enrolments, budgets, and the growth of our global campus operations, our ability to respond with integrity, innovation, and collaboration is a testament to the strength of our teams, the depth of our partnerships, and the passion that drives our mission.
This year, we welcomed thousands of international students from more than 100 countries to our campuses, delivered transformative education and training across 15 nations, and prepared hundreds of students and staff for global experiences through Be World Ready. We also advanced our international development efforts, delivering high-impact projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and supporting capacity-building in regions like the Caribbean and Africa.
These outcomes are not accidental. They are the result of intentional partnerships, a student-centred culture, and the unwavering dedication of our community – faculty, staff, and administrators. Our global initiatives are more than programs – they are catalysts for equity, economic development, cultural understanding, and personal transformation.
We are grateful for the many partners who have supported Niagara College through financial contributions, capacity building, and shared initiatives. Their contributions have created lasting ripple effects both locally and globally. Without their support, many of the stories and project milestones would not have been possible.
As we look ahead, our vision is bold: to be Canada’s leading global college. We will continue to expand access to world-class education, grow our global operations, and empower our graduates and partners to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
To our NC International team, campus community, and global partners—thank you. Your commitment, innovation, and shared purpose are what make our global mission possible.
Sean Coote Vice President of International Niagara College
Vision, Mission and Values
The College’s ambitious 2022-2027 Strategic Plan responds to a unique time in postsecondary education, marked by increased competition, rapid technological change, students who are more diverse and globally aware, and a community in economic recovery and in urgent need of a highly skilled and stable workforce.
The Strategic Plan articulates six areas of focus: Wholistic Student Experience, Academic Excellence, Global Reach, Alumni and Partner Engagement, Social Inclusion and Environmental Responsibility, and Operational Excellence. These areas of focus drive the College’s goals, actions, and accomplishments.
VISION MISSION
Enriching lives and fulfilling dreams.
To provide outstanding applied education and training for a changing world.
Niagara College Strategic Plan: 2022-2027
We are Canada’s leading global college; engaging, celebrating and bringing together diverse cultures to prepare world-ready graduates.
As outlined in the strategic plan, the emphasis on Global Reach will be focused on a set of actions, including:
• WE WILL support a culturally diverse college and bring the World to Niagara, contributing to enhanced perspectives and learning for all students
• WE WILL bring Niagara to the World and expand global operations and program delivery outside of the Niagara region to support international capacity building
Global Reach Global Strategy
• WE WILL prepare graduates by creating pathways to the world through Be World Ready experience opportunities inside and outside the classroom for all students
• WE WILL create an inclusive and integrated campus environment where all students engage, support, and learn from each other
Building on its previous international strategy, the 2022-2027 Global Strategy outlines an evolution of Niagara College’s international work over five years. Leveraging its strengths, the 2022-2027 Global Strategy will continue to position NC to emerge as Canada’s Leading Global College.
Key Areas of Focus
This will include building on our previous plan in three areas:
Bringing the World to Niagara
Taking Niagara to the World
Preparing World Ready Graduates and Staff
The strategy takes the best of what we do at NC Canada and delivers it globally.
Drawing from Niagara College’s success and experience in delivering advanced applied education in Niagara and Saudi Arabia, NC will continue to expand its global operations in alignment with the College’s strategic plan and ensure a balanced global portfolio that will be integral to NC’s future. The global strategy will also help mitigate any significant shift in our business model with a focus on a diverse set of global activities that will bring strong net contributions to NC while building global competencies among our employees.
Our International Division brings together a diverse group of dedicated teams, all united by a shared commitment to delivering outstanding applied education and training for a changing world.
While each team is aligned with one of the three pillars of our Global Strategy, their impact extends beyond – with many contributing across multiple pillars to advance the shared goals of the division.
Who We Are International Division
Bringing the World to Niagara
International Admissions and Enrollment Services
• Inquiry Response
Global Business Development
• Communications and Engagement
• Recruitment and Partnership Development
International Student Services
• Housing and Settlement
• Immigration and Academic Advisement
• Student Engagement
• Student Accounts
School of English Language Studies
Taking Niagara to the World
Global Customized Training and Consulting
Global Education Projects
Global Pathways
Global Campus Operations
• Compliance and Reporting
Bringing the World to Niagara
Niagara College has a long history of bringing international students from around the world to Niagara. These students will continue to study in programs across NC and will be an important part of our strategic enrolment management strategy.
2022-2027
Global Strategy Objectives
1
2
3
4
5
Recruit international students for all schools across the College, maintaining a significant international student population at our Niagara campuses to support College enrolment goals
Diversify our international student demographics to provide a broader cultural experience on our campuses
Support international student settlement and integration across the College and Niagara community to foster strong relationships
Provide unparalleled international student supports and services to ensure student success
Balance domestic and international student enrolment by developing new (or expand existing), attractive international programs to address student demand, while matching labour demands and immigration regulations
Key Achievements in Bringing the World to Niagara
Student
Success
and Inclusion
69
English for Academic Preparation (EAP)
144
97 new international students in postsecondary programs Spring 2024 to Winter 2025
95.2% international student retention rate
Students who entered Term 1 of Level 1 in Fall 2024 continued their studies into Winter 2025
representing 23 countries, mentored peers, offered culturally responsive support, and enriched student life
2,573
in returning student bursaries and scholarships
2,722 $121,500 48 830 274
58
English Language and Culture Program (ELCP) international student graduates graduated and continued their studies at Niagara College postsecondary programs received international students nationalities represented by the international student body
101 22
EAP students represented by NC English students
totaling over $5.27million creating opportunities for cultural exchange and community connection April 2024 to March 2025 countries
awarded to 97 international students in recognition of their academic excellence and contributions to campus and community life
49+ 580+
homestay students flexible payment plans ensuring equitable access to education for international students experiencing financial need multilingual international student assistants from Niagara College postsecondary programs
recruitment events countries
The NC team, raised awareness about study opportunities in Canada among prospective students, and strengthening relationships with global educational partners to elevate Canada’s brand image as a top education destination
In Spring 2024, the NC team, students and alumni engaged with global partners at events in the Niagara Region
• NC Familiarization Tour
• International Consultants for Education and Fairs (ICEF) North America
• Canadian Partnership Forum
3 70+ 700+
global partners countries in-person events
Bringing the World to Niagara
Global Spotlight
Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Head of Department of Education, City of Taoyuan, Taiwan.
As a result, groups of students came to NC, including:
• 22 top vocational high school students participating in the Customized Canadian Sustainability and Entrepreneurship Program
• 22 students taking part in the ELCP program, bringing more diverse perspectives that enriched the classroom experience and fostered cross-cultural learning
Trailblazing Stories
Participated as panelists in the PIE Live, London, United Kingdom.
During the Partnership Table: Industry-EducationGovernment (The Canadian Model for Workforce Development), the NC team highlighted how the college collaborates with industry to create programs that align with labour market needs and prepare work-ready graduates.
Innovation in Action
Developing a new trailblazing international application portal. Scheduled for launch the end of 2025, this platform will help to streamline the application and admission process for international students and agents, as well as for the NC international division, while enhancing the NC experience and supporting our long-term growth and success.
Launched the English as a Second Language – Online Program. The program is designed to help students from anywhere in the world build and strengthen their English language skills. By removing geographic barriers, this flexible and accessible program supports the College’s commitment to inclusive, global education—empowering more learners to pursue their academic and career goals through improved language proficiency.
Established the Direct International Student Recruitment Team.
The goal is to further enhance recruitment efforts by increasing direct engagement with prospective international students. This approach is designed to complement the valuable work done in partnership with educational agents, while supporting the College’s enrolment goals and enhancing the overall prospective student experience.
Launched the Friends and Family Rewards program.
Current students who refer a new international student that successfully enrolls at NC receive exciting prizes. The goal is to encourage community-driven recruitment, contributing that helps sustain a strong international presence on campus, while directly supporting the College’s enrolment objectives and commitment to a diverse, globally engaged learning environment.
Developed key resources to better support educational agents, our valued partners in student success.
This included:
• Annual Agency Performance Review Framework
• Agency Training Portal
• Code of Conduct for Recruitment Agencies
These initiatives improve the quality and consistency of our global recruitment efforts, strengthening partnerships, enhancing student experience, and supporting the College’s enrolment goals.
Taking Niagara to the World
By expanding overseas operations, we support the development of diverse pathways for students to start their education journey at satellite NC locations. Additionally, NC strives to grow contract training and increase our international development work to leverage our organizational culture as a global college, contributing to a better world as global citizens.
2022-2027
Global Strategy Objectives
1
2
3
4
5
Expand off-shore program delivery with partners around the world through various operation models to deepen our relationships with our global academic partners and provide pathways to NC
Increase international development project work with a variety of funders to support our organizational culture as a global college
Expand our Canadian campuses beyond Toronto to enhance our partnership with Global University Systems (GUS)
Grow inbound and overseas contract training to support our global partners and build on our expertise at NC
Increase NC KSA operations, building on our success with Colleges of Excellence to establish ourselves as a preferred provider for TVET program delivery in the Middle East
Taking Niagara to the World
Key Achievements in Taking Niagara to the World
Niagara College’s global initiatives extend beyond borders, with strategic international efforts that strengthen institutional resilience, diversify operations, and build sustainable education systems abroad. This section outlines our work under three key areas: Global Customized Training and International Development, Offshore Campuses, and Global Partner Engagement.
Strengthening Global Strategy Infrastructure
28 16 1
new memorandum of understanding signed with partners from different countries
creating additional global pathways for learners
Developed the first Target Package - a tool to guide global recruitment and articulation efforts through defined criteria and strategic focus
Global Customized Training
29
partners participated in contract training programming through Niagara College’s Institute for Global Education and Training
Training delivered to global learners from
400+ 15 15 13
including:
Denmark
Japan
articulation and exchange agreements finalized global agreements
reviewed, standardized and integrated into Salesforce, providing real-time partner intelligence and historic partnership data.
Launched a new Partnership Dashboard and Partnership Opportunity Capture Form (POCF) to support transparent and consistent global opportunity tracking and development
new partnerships from Spring 2024 to Winter 2025
400+ 38
NC faculty members global learners
Expanded contract training into new markets including:
Costa Rica
Indonesia
Mongolia
Taiwan
The Philippines countries
Mexico
South Korea
The United Arab Emirates
engaged in contract training programs that directly supported international skills development and industry capacity building
Global Development
6
transformative development projects in Africa and the Caribbean
advancing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), gender equity, and green economy skills, delivered by NC
Supported by global development leaders, including:
• Global Affairs Canada
• PepsiCo Foundation
• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization – International Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (UNESCO-UNEVOC)
200+
global learners trained
supported local capacity building in key sectors such as agro-processing, ecotourism, gender equity, and clean energy
13
UN SDGs
Projects advanced 13 different UN SDGs, reflecting the College’s commitment to inclusive, equitable, and sustainable education
14
partner institutions supported through international development projects
10 2 1 1
intergovernmental organization government ministry, department or agency community-based organizations education and training institutions
5
5
international missions building, knowledge exchange, and project development Canadian
institutional partners participated in joint global initiatives, including Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan)
14
NC staff and faculty contributed their expertise to international projects.
Taking Niagara to the World
Global Spotlight
Concluded the five-year Skills to Access the Green Economy (SAGE)-05 project in March 2025.
The SAGE initiative has served as a catalyst for positive change, fostering excellence and sustainability in agro-food processing education in Jamaica. Through this project, NC collaborated with College of the North Atlantic to support the Moneague College and HEART/NSTA Trust Ebony Park Academy. The initiative was funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by CICan.
“Niagara College is dedicated to fostering global partnerships that drive meaningful impact, and we are proud to engage with initiatives like the SAGE project. The success of this partnership is defined by our ability to train the next generation of professionals, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to contribute to their companies, communities, and futures” - NC President Sean Kennedy, about the conclusion of the SAGE-05 project.
Hosted The PIE Leaders Series webinar, themed ‘Fostering Global Engagement: Niagara College’s Role in Enhancing Global Opportunities’.
In the session, Niagara College’s Vice President, International, Sean Coote, and the Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Accessibility, Dr. Samah Sabra discussed how the College’s innovative partnerships and initiatives are driving positive change around the world through meaningful international collaboration. The discussion also highlighted how fostering global connections, embracing diversity, and prioritizing equity are key to creating sustainable economic opportunities.
Global Campus Spotlight: Niagara College-Toronto
Continued to play a key role in supporting international enrolment, student success, and access to globally relevant quality programs.
NC offers partner delivery locations within Canada and around the world to increase access to quality education.
Since 2021, Niagara College has partnered with the Toronto School of Management to deliver select NC programs at the Niagara College – Toronto (NCT) campus in the heart of downtown Toronto.
In 2024-25:
• 31 nationalities represented in the current student population.
• 3,034 students were enrolled in NCT programs across 8 academic programs
• Over 5,000 students enrolled at NCT for Fall 2024, demonstrating strong demand for NC programs in Canada’s largest urban centre
• 6,555 students graduated in 2024 during 2 convocation ceremonies
Trailblazing Stories
Launched Niagara College’s Institute for Global Education and Training.
Established in May 2024, Niagara College’s Institute for Global Education and Training serves as a hub for customized training and capacity-building programs that drive sustainable global change. Building on over 20 years of international collaboration, the Institute delivers modular, industry-relevant education aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through strategic partnerships, it empowers learners and institutions worldwide to achieve lasting change through education
Collected donations to support NC’s partner institutions in Tanzania in a Feminine Hygiene Product Drive.
This initiative contributed to efforts against period poverty—a global issue affecting millions of women and girls who lack access to menstrual products and proper sanitation—while also supporting education by helping reduce school absenteeism caused by related health challenges.
Preparing World-Ready Graduates and Staff
Niagara College prepares world ready graduates and staff through successful international study and work programs. These transformative experiences equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and cross-cultural competencies needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market. At the same time, faculty and staff benefit from international teaching, research, consulting, and field study opportunities that foster both professional development and personal growth. By embracing culturally diverse learning environments, Niagara College strengthens its commitment to being a globally engaged and future-focused institution.
2022-2027
Global Strategy Objectives
1
Infuse global competencies within our academic programs and across college operations
2 Expand opportunities for students to study/ work abroad
3 Ensure every student has Be World Ready opportunities available to them and every school has opportunities for their students
4 Mobilize World Ready Niagara staff, faculty and students to NC global sites and educational destinations globally
5
Leverage federal funding to financially support Be World Ready
Preparing World-Ready Graduates and Staff
Key Achievements in Preparing World-Ready Graduates and Staff
270+
participated in Be World Ready (BWR) programs during break-week experiences throughout the year and/or other world ready global experiences
7
International Field Study (BWR IFS) experiences
7 students, staff and faculty
10
9
delivered in new global destinations, deepening student and staff exposure to international perspectives countries
hosted BWR IFS experiences, led by 24 faculty and staff
212
$555,000+
in grants to support BWR programming including Global Skills Opportunity, NC grants and support from Guard.Me
266
4
students participated in international work abroad placements, furthering career readiness through hands-on global experience inbound semester exchange students were welcomed to NC from Germany and Italy
students
completed the newly developed BWR general elective course ensuring that their global learning is reflected on their academic transcripts and preparing them for all aspects of their journey.
students supported in accessing culturally immersive and globally focused learning experiences
international academic partners
collaborated in the development or delivery IFS experiences
Students from
3
international academic partners supported mutual exchange and global classroom enrichment
5
academic programs
integrated BWR experiences to enhance vocational learning outcomes
Global Spotlight
Established new academic partnership with LaSalle College International (LCI) in Spain and launched Niagara College’s first Summer Institute in Barcelona.
The first cohort to take the program, offered through the Be World Ready program in collaboration with LCI, included 13 students from eight of NC’s schools of study and one faculty member. Over a three-week period, the group participated in the Institute at LCI, combining daily academic sessions with cultural activities for a fully immersive and intercultural experience in Spanish culture.
Trailblazing Story
Collaborated with Indigenous Education in a new BWR experience.
The IFS was developed in partnership with the University of Hawaii, offering NC students the opportunity to engage in a meaningful, land-based learning experience in Hawaii focused on:
• the reclamation and restoration of identity through shared storytelling
• community service
• reciprocity with The Kanaka Maoli, the Indigenous people of Oahu
Innovation in Action
Collaborated with NC’s Schools of Study to develop vocationally focused BWR experiences.
These opportunities align with students’ academic and career goals, allowing them to apply a global lens to skills learned in the classroom. The experiences connected students to key industry hubs to meet the rising demand for specialized international experiences and intercultural competencies, including:
Costa Rica: School of Environment and Horticulture students gained hands-on experience in a carbon negative regenerative farm and will apply their learning to create a native pollinator garden in Niagara.
Italy: School of Culinary Arts students participated in a hands-on cooking course with NC’s academic partner Alba Accademia Alberghiera.
Spain: School of Media students explored Spanish broadcasting, film, radio, and TV, with a focus on soccer coverage ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, gaining valuable international experience.
Japan: School of Technology students experienced Japan’s electric vehicle, consumer electronics, and renewable energy industries, gaining valuable interview and resume edge for future local hiring opportunities.
Global Stage
Silver Award (2024)
Applied Research and Innovation Category
World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP)’s Awards of Excellence
The WFCP Awards of Excellence recognize WFCP member institutions for their outstanding contributions in the global Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, skills development and the wider economic and social development.
The Applied Research and Innovation Award Category honours an institution or institutional association that has demonstrated excellence in addressing real-world challenges through applied research.
Niagara College was recognized for its capacity-building trainings in Latin America that reached over 112 students and 246 faculty and leadership at seven higher education
institutions and supported the establishment of three Applied Research Centres. Transformative projects initiated by these Centres are improving the lives of over 800,000 individuals in Latin America..
The initiative was inspired by partnerships within the Pacific Alliance (PA) Program, an investment focusing on sustainable development and skills for employment in Latin America, managed by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) and funded through Global Affairs Canada.
Discover More
Whether you are a future partner, NC employee, or community member, there are many ways to connect with our global initiatives.
Bringing the World to Niagara
Find out how we welcome and support students from around the world at NC International website. international.niagaracollege.ca
Taking Niagara to the World
Explore our international partnerships and projects by accessing Niagara College’s Institute for Global Education and Training website. ncglobalinstitute.ca
Preparing World-Ready Graduates
Gain insight into how Niagara College students and staff gain global skills and experiences at the Be World Ready (BWR) website. beworldready.ca
Get Involved
NC employees
Are you a NC employee who would like to get involved in the college’s global initiatives? We encourage you to reach out to your supervisor for direction.
• Express your interest in NC’s Institute for Global Education and Training using this online form: ncglobalinstitute.ca/getinvolved
• Learn more about BWR opportunities by emailing: beworldready@niagaracollege.ca or visiting: beworldready.ca/faqs
Potential Partner
Interested in exploring partnership opportunities with Niagara College? We would love to connect with you. Please contact us at international@niagaracollege.ca, and your inquiry will be directed to the appropriate team.
Learn more about Niagara College and view its Annual Report. niagaracollege.ca/annual-report
