International Development Projects
Empowering Global Change Through Education and Innovation
KPU’s International Development Projects aim to support communities around the world by leveraging education, innovation, and local partnerships. While we’re at the early stages of this exciting journey, these projects represent a growing commitment to understanding global challenges—like climate change, poverty, and inequality—and helping design context-specific solutions in partnership with communities.
We focus on connecting leaders, educators, and innovators in developing countries and in Canada to co-create opportunities for sustainable, inclusive development. Special emphasis is placed on empowering women, youth, and marginalized populations to be leaders of positive change.
Our Partnerships
We believe meaningful change happens through collaboration.
KPU is building strong partnerships with institutions across Canada and in developing countries to co-create and deliver impactful international development projects. These partnerships connect our faculty, staff, and students with global peers, opening doors to shared learning, cultural exchange, and innovative solutions.
Together, we’re working toward sustainable, inclusive development that empowers individuals and communities around the world.
Development Themes
- Explore and support postsecondary education reform in developing regions
- Strengthen connections between training institutions and industries
- Support gender equality and inclusive education, especially in STEM and vocational sectors
- Foster entrepreneurial ecosystems in local communities
- Promote climate-resilient development through skills training and awareness
- Encourage student and faculty mobility that builds capacity and community, both abroad and at home
These initiatives are externally funded and offer collaborative opportunities for KPU faculty, staff, and students to share expertise and learn from global partners.
Potential Areas of Impact
As KPU grows in this space, future international development projects could focus on:
- Postsecondary and vocational education system reform
- Inclusive access to education and skills training
- Industry-responsive curriculum and training development
- Women and youth empowerment
- Sustainable development and climate action
- Community-based entrepreneurship
- International collaboration in applied Research and innovation
Potential Project Focus Areas
- TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) capacity building
- Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) approaches
- Teacher training and curriculum co-development
- Labour market needs assessments and alignment
- Programs in different industries, sustainable agriculture, leadership, and more
- Mentorship and outreach for women and vulnerable learners
- Faculty and student mobility programs that share KPU’s strengths and bring global lessons home
- Applied learning and technical training to support sustainable livelihoods
- Experiential education projects that promote global citizenship and community resilience
Current Projects
BCDI 2030
The Global Exchange, Local Impact: Tunisia-Canada Scholar Program is a transformative initiative that provides Tunisian students with an opportunity to gain international exposure, hands-on training, and industry-relevant skills at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. This collaboration, funded by Global Affairs Canada and administered by Universities Canada, is designed to empower students—particularly women and marginalized groups—with expertise in business, entrepreneurship, technology, and sustainability.
Erasmus+
KPU is proud to participate in Erasmus+, the European Union’s flagship education and mobility program. Through Erasmus+ Global Mobility Projects, students, faculty, and staff gain transformative opportunities to study, teach, train, and collaborate abroad.
These exchanges foster international partnerships, intercultural learning, and global citizenship, strengthening both KPU and our partner institutions. Whether you're a student exploring new academic horizons or a faculty member sharing expertise across borders, Erasmus+ opens doors to meaningful global engagement and lifelong connections.
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