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.

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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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