Issuu

April 2025 - March 2026

Niagara College is Canada’s leader in experiential learning. Located in the heart of the Niagara Region, just minutes from wellknown tourism destinations, Niagara College offers 100+ programs. Our two state-of-the-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 Partnerships and Enterprises, Sean Coote

I am pleased to present Niagara College’s Global Annual Report for 2025–2026, which underscores our ongoing commitment to global learning, inclusion, and meaningful international engagement.

Through our collective efforts, we persevered in bringing the world to Niagara, taking Niagara to the world, and preparing world-ready graduates and staff, reinforcing our role as leaders in inclusive, globally focused education.

There is no question that the past year has continued to test our adaptability, resilience, and capacity to navigate change, as we responded to the ongoing impacts of significant government actions introduced since 2024 – including federal policy changes affecting Canada’s international student program and a temporary provincial moratorium on offshore activities.

In turn, these changes have also created opportunities to strengthen how NC operates and adopt new approaches, furthering the college’s commitment to being student-focused, welcoming, passionate, and trailblazing.

In this context, a new organizational structure is positioning NC to navigate the challenges ahead during this pivotal moment in postsecondary education.

The creation of a new Enrolment division, bringing together all domestic and international recruitment and enrolment functions, reflects the critical strategic priority of enrolment growth. Additionally, the introduction of the Partnerships and Enterprises division represents a reimagining and broadening of how we diversify and grow our sources of revenue, including the Institute for Global Education and Training and the School of English Language Studies. Lastly, with a strengthened mandate to cultivate a wholistic student experience outside the classroom, the Students division added International Student Services and Cultural and Global Engagement to its portfolio.

As we look ahead to new opportunities, the achievements delivered over the past year, despite the challenging environment, provide a solid foundation for continued progress.

This year, we welcomed hundreds of postsecondary students from more than 80 countries to our campuses. We also delivered customized training programs reaching 432 global learners across 17 nations through 38 partnerships and engaging 66 NC faculty members, reflecting continued growth in participation compared with the previous year. Additionally,

we equipped hundreds of students and staff with global competencies through Be World Ready. As a further step, we continued collaborating on high-impact projects that advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and strengthen capacity in regions such as Africa and the Caribbean.

Intentional partnerships, a student-centered culture, and the remarkable dedication of our faculty, staff, and administrators are at the heart of these achievements. Beyond traditional programs, our global initiatives act as powerful catalysts— advancing equity, driving economic growth, deepening cultural understanding, and sparking personal transformation.

We are also proud to recognize the vision and support of our partners, whose financial contributions, capacity-building, and collaborative efforts have created meaningful impact locally and globally. Their engagement has made possible the stories, milestones, and outcomes that define our year.

Looking ahead, we remain committed to broadening access to world-class education, expanding our global reach, and preparing our graduates and partners to excel in an interconnected and rapidly evolving world.

To our NC team, campus community, and global partners: your vision, dedication, and innovation are the driving forces behind our global mission. We are deeply grateful for your ongoing collaboration.

Sean Coote Vice President of Partnerships and Enterprises, 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.

Who We Are

Niagara College 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.

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

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

From mid-2025 to early 2026, Niagara College undertook a review of its organizational structure reflecting the evolving landscape of international education. The new structure, aligned with the College’s Strategic Plan, positions NC to adapt and grow, with teams formerly within the International Division transitioning to support initiatives across the Vice Presidencies of Enrolment, Students, and Partnerships and Enterprises.

Preparing World-Ready Graduates and Staff

Cultural and Global Engagement

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

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

Over the past year, Canada’s international education sector has undergone significant change, including federal policy shifts, enrollment caps, and heightened compliance requirements. These developments have contributed to a sector-wide decline in international student enrollments and have fundamentally reshaped how institutions recruit, admit, and support international learners. Within this evolving landscape, Niagara College has remained focused on resilience, sustainability, and long-term strategic planning and continued to prioritize quality, student success, and innovation.

86 new international students in postsecondary programs Spring 2025 to Winter 2026

received international students

97.6% international student retention rate

Students who entered Term 1 of Level 1 in Fall 2025 continued their studies into Winter 2026

734 $35,000

1,428

EAP students represented by English as a Second Language students in returning student bursaries and scholarships

English for Academic Preparation (EAP) Program students international student graduates graduated and continued their studies at Niagara College postsecondary programs nationalities represented by the international student body

82 14

homestay students from Niagara College postsecondary programs

creating opportunities for cultural exchange and community connection countries

awarded to 30 international students in recognition of their academic excellence and contributions to campus and community life

175

418 totaling over $4.2 million flexible payment plans ensuring equitable access to education for international students experiencing financial need

“Living with a family, who welcomed me with tremendous warmth and kindness, allowed me to experience Canadian daily life firsthand, understand cultural norms, and improve my English language skills.”

Azmerilin Dominga Rosario Jaquez, Inbound Semester Exchange student

Bringing the World to Niagara

35+ countries

The NC team raised awareness about study opportunities in Canada among prospective students, and strengthened relationships with global recruitment partners to elevate Canada’s brand image as a top education destination

Azerbaijan

Bahamas Bangladesh

Barbados

Bhutan

Brazil

Chile China Colombia Costa Rica Dubai Ghana India Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kyrgyzstan Mexico Mongolia

Nepal

Nigeria

Philippines

Rwanda

South Korea

Spain

Sri Lanka

Taiwan

Tanzania

Thailand

Trinidad and Tobago

Türkiye

United States

Uzbekistan

Vietnam

40+

600+ international engagement activities abroad

organized or attended by the Global Business Development team including: 220+ educational fairs promoting Niagara College and highlighting the student experience in Niagara for prospective international students

20+ international engagement activities in Canada global partners countries represented

organized or attended by the Global Business Development team.

In Fall 2025, the Global Business Development team promoted Partner Discovery Day, welcoming global partners with offices in Ontario to NC’s campuses during Fall Open House.

25+

In Spring 2025, the NC team, along with students, and alumni provided international recruitment partners with an immersive experience of the College’s campuses, programs, and community during the 2025 Familiarization (FAM) Tour.

Global Spotlight

Celebrated the 35th anniversary of the School of English Language Studies (SELS), a milestone reflecting decades of dedication to equipping international students with English and study skills.

Over the years, SELS has supported international recruitment by expanding access to quality English programming, offering customized courses, and providing cultural experiences that immerse students from 100+ countries in Canadian academic and community life, helping them settle, succeed, and feel at home in Niagara.

Ongoing faculty professional development, classroom-based research, and program evolution demonstrate how SELS sustains program quality and scalability, enabling the College to diversify international demographics while preparing students for successful transition into further study and employment-aligned programs.

Delivered the plenary address at the Canada Partnership Forum (CPF) 2025 in Vancouver. The NC team was specially selected to lead an Agent Leadership Session for a global audience of approximately 250 agents. The presentation, ‘A Time for Action: Putting Canada Front and Centre,’ highlighted why Canada is an exceptional choice for international students.

Established the Niagara College Experience Centre in Chandigarh, India. The opening, attended by NC President Sean Kennedy; Vice-President, International, Sean Coote; the NC team and over 25 top recruitment partners, marked a key step in expanding NC’s presence in the region. The Experience Centre provides students, parents, and agents with guidance and information on Niagara College’s programs, scholarships, housing, student services, and life in Canada, while also serving as a hub for recruitment partner training and engagement.

Strengthened global education engagement by leveraging alumni voice to inspire international partners.

As part of the 2025 Canada Education Fair held at the Canada Pavilion during World Expo 2025 in Japan, NC alumna Ruka Kokado participated as a guest speaker in an educationfocused session. Drawing on her personal study experience in Canada, she delivered a strong and authentic message about Canadian education, which made a clear and positive impression on Japanese education institutions attending the event, helping position Niagara College as a trusted partner.

Trailblazing Stories

Founded and supported Learn Canadian, a sector-led global campaign to reposition Canada as one of the world’s leading destinations for international education.

The initiative, developed by the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), responds to the recent policy changes and shifting perceptions about what studying in Canada represents. The campaign emerged from discussions that brought together over 225 organizations.

“Niagara College is proud to contribute to a unified national message that reaffirms Canada as a welcoming and supportive place for learners from around the world. The campaign reflects the strengths we champion every day at NC: academic excellence, vibrant communities, and a deep commitment to international student success. We are pleased to help shape this shared vision for the future of international education in Canada.” - Sean Kennedy, President of Niagara College and Chair of the CBIE Board of Directors.

“At just 18 years old, fresh out of high school, I took one of the biggest leaps of my life and moved to Canada.

Arriving in Niagara was magical. Living beside the iconic Niagara Falls and studying in the breathtaking Niagara-on-the-Lake made my transition to a new country both grounding and inspiring. At Niagara College, the hands-on learning and supportive faculty didn’t just teach me business concepts — they built my confidence, independence, and global mindset. NC was a safe space to grow, adapt, and dream bigger.”

Bani Dang, Business – General alumna

Bringing the World to Niagara

Strengthened global healthcare education engagement through faculty-led sessions.

Faculty members from NC’s Myhal School of Nursing collaborated with NC’s partner INSCOL to deliver sessions for nursing students and healthcare professionals in India. The initiative supported global healthcare development while inspiring learners to explore educational opportunities at NC. In just five days, faculty visited three cities and engaged with more than 400 students and professionals.

Celebrated international community by bringing together NC students, alumni, and their family members for a vibrant day of basketball and culture.

The tournament NC Basketball Olympics – Filipino Community and Friendship featured basketball teams from the local Filipino community, with players representing a wide range of NC programs. The event was organized by NC in partnership with NC’s Philippine educational partner, Sun-Core Unlimited.

More than 60 players and their guests filled the gymnasium at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake with energy and camaraderie.

Innovation in Action

Partnered with BorderPass, a trusted platform for immigration guidance and legal support, to ensure first-time NC applicants have equitable access to reliable assistance. This initiative helps remove barriers and enables more students to pursue their educational journey at NC by providing applicants and recruitment partners with guidance from Canadian immigration lawyers for Study Permit applications. It supports the preparation and submission process and offers assistance following potential refusals.

Advanced the development of the StudyLink portals—a new, trailblazing international application and admissions platform scheduled for launch in mid-2026. This initiative is designed to streamline processes for international students, agents, and internal teams, while enhancing the overall Niagara College experience and positioning the institution for future growth in an increasingly complex and regulated global education environment.

Launched a completely redesigned International Website to better serve all audiences.

The redesign was guided by key objectives, including integrating and consolidating all College-wide information relevant to all students with the main NC website, while keeping International-specific content distinct so it can be easily found and used by future and current international students, educational partners, employees, and the broader community.

Introduced the Niagara College Agent Marketing Package, a centralized hub of brand-approved marketing assets designed to support agents’ student recruitment efforts. All materials are accessible by agents through one online link and are updated regularly to ensure agents have the most current content to support their outreach. Essential tools include calendar of suggested social media posts and captions, web banner ads, customizable graphics, photos and digital flyers

“Seeing how students immerse themselves in hands-on learning and are supported by passionate employees truly brought NC’s commitment to career readiness to life. What stood out to me was how well NC blends academic excellence with applied learning. Programs in fields like engineering, technology, healthcare, and more are a gamechanger for international students.”

Veronica Maldonado Chillon, CEO at the agency Time to Canada

Participant in the 2025 FAM Tour.

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.