Strengthening Academic Cooperation: Outcomes of the 2026 Ministerial Mission to Canada for Higher Education Institutions

From April 20 to 24, 2026, the ministerial and inter-institutional mission to Quebec and Ontario, a crucial step in the FWB's internationalization of higher education, was conducted. With an academic group comprising over 80 participants from a total of 150 attendees, the event reinforced historical connections and unveiled fresh prospects for scientific and pedagogical partnership.

Strengthened Partnerships and Institutional Engagement Supported by ARES

Since 2024, the ARES International Relations Commission has considered Canada a strategic target for internationalization, a priority that has remained constant. The objective was to dynamize existing partnerships, especially joint degree programs with Quebec institutions, while investigating the academic landscape in Ontario.

A key objective was to identify solutions for administrative and political hurdles—such as visa procedures, mobility obstacles, and diverging academic calendars—that have previously hindered full partnership potential. To address these, ARES organized dedicated working sessions on administrative streamlining and innovative mobility formats, complemented by B2B meetings and best-practice workshops. 

Student Mobility: Reducing Barriers and Increasing Flexibility

Institutions utilized this mission to deepen partnerships, with a specific focus on short-term and hybrid student mobility. Innovative formats such as Blended Intensive Programmes (BIP) and Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) were identified as vital tools to balance student flows while adapting to financial and scheduling constraints. Discussions also covered internships, research projects, and joint degrees.

To address visa and work permit challenges, the delegation advocated for simplified procedures before the relevant political authorities. There is a shared consensus among institutions on the need for a structured agreement between the two territories to provide sustainable solutions for student mobility in an increasingly uncertain international climate.

Expanding Horizons Toward Ontario

The exploratory segment in Toronto revealed significant potential for cooperation with Franco-Ontarian institutions. Meetings with the Université de l’Ontario français (UOF) and Collège Boréal highlighted opportunities for partnership and international cooperation, as well as a strong interest in European research programs like Horizon Europe.

The Role of ARES: A Strategic Institutional Framework

The institutional role of ARES was further strengthened during the mission through the signing of an agreement with the Université du Québec (UQ). This agreement structures the sharing of expertise and tools between the two federations and frames an upcoming return mission of 50 Quebec researchers to the FWB scheduled for late November 2026. Additionally, ARES and the Fédération des cégeps renewed their partnership agreement, which was originally signed in October 2023.