Alberta's government is creating the Alberta Bureau for International Education to help attract talented international students and researchers to our province.
The government is taking another step to implement Alberta's International Education Strategy with a total investment of $1.5 million. From this funding, $1 million will be used to establish a new not-for-profit organization, the Alberta Bureau for International Education (ABIE). The ABIE will showcase the innovation and strength of our post-secondary system to talented students from around the world. It will also increase international learning opportunities for Alberta learners.
The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) will establish the ABIE as an independent board-governed not-for-profit organization with representation from post-secondary institutions and industry stakeholders. SAIT was provided $500,000 of the total funding earlier this year to plan and develop this initiative.
"Two of our largest universities already attract many international students every year - this is about showcasing what our entire post-secondary system has to offer. ABIE will work to showcase the diversity of higher education available in our province, like the polytechnic institutions and colleges. We are excited to take this important step and look forward to announcing further details in the near future."
Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education
In the coming months, SAIT will engage with publicly funded post-secondary institutions to finalize a funding model and ensure compliance with all provincial and federal legislation.
"Through an overarching commitment to international education, Alberta's post-secondary institutions create stronger international ties for the province, boost the global competitiveness of our region and help bring vital academic, economic and social benefit to our communities. SAIT looks forward to collaborating with the Government of Alberta and our post-secondary partners to develop Alberta's place on the world stage regarding international education and promote our province as a first-choice education destination for international students."
David Ross, president, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
International students and researchers contribute to the province's academic, cultural and economic prosperity, and are vital for the post-secondary system's continued growth and success.
The International Education Strategy was unveiled by Alberta's government in June 2020. The strategy delivers on the platform commitment to support universities and colleges in their efforts to attract more, qualified foreign students to the province.
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