Corporate

Keyano College and Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism partner to expand the attraction of international students

Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism (FMWBEDT) is joining forces with Keyano College to recruit and retain more international students to the region. The partnership will deliver several new initiatives to grow the number of international students at the College by over 70 percent through a multi-year funding agreement. The anticipated growth in international students is expected to have an annual economic impact of over $3 million for Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo.

Keyano CollegeKeyano College Interim President & CEO, Dale Mountain said, “We want to acknowledge and thank Kevin Weidlich and the team at Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism in supporting our international student recruitment efforts. This will not only benefit Keyano College by increasing international student enrolments but our community as well, culturally and economically. Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo’s diversity is one of the key strengths of our region and this partnership will expand our ability to attract students from other areas of the world. I cannot thank Dr. Sandra Efu and her team at Keyano College enough for their work on this partnership. This truly is a win for the College and the region.”

Beyond the expanded enrollment of Keyano College students, Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo will benefit with an increase in availability of part-time labour for businesses, increased housing occupancy demand, increase in cultural diversity, and the attraction of talent contributing to the innovation, and entrepreneurship in our region.

“Our organization was established to co-create shared economic value for our region. This partnership exemplifies the importance of working together to achieve local economic prosperity for Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo,” said Kevin Weidlich, President & CEO of FMWBEDT. “The attraction of talent and international students will yield long-term, sustainable benefits for our community and fortify our regional strengths of diversity and community spirit. I’d like to extend a warm welcome to all future international students that choose us in their search for opportunity.”

The partnership has short, medium, and long-term programs such as agent familiarization tours and an incentives program for international student applicants.

About Keyano College | www.keyano.ca(https://www.choosewoodbuffalo.ca/news-updates/www.keyano.ca%C2%A0)

Keyano College is a comprehensive community institution in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. The College offers programs that lead to certificates, diplomas, certificates of qualification (trades), and baccalaureate degrees. Keyano College can accept and enroll international students with a study permit. Read through the International Student Guide for information about applying, fees, requirements, and health insurance, or visit our International Student page at www.//keyano.ca/international