The Alberta Bureau for International Education (ABIE) was to act as a strategic catalyst for the internationalization of Alberta’s post-secondary education system. In an increasingly competitive global landscape for talent and innovation, ABIE’s role is more important than ever.
We focus on creating new opportunities for our member institutions, and the province by strengthening Alberta’s brand and presence in the global post-secondary education community. Our mandate centers on supporting member institutions by providing the tools, insights, and partnerships they need to succeed internationally.
What we’re tasked to do
ABIE works across four priority areas to fulfill its mission:
- Advance Alberta’s global education ambitions by promoting the province’s 26 publicly funded post-secondary institutions, programs and reciprocal partnership opportunities to international audiences.
- Build international student participation by supporting ABIE member post-secondary institutions through engagement efforts and increasing Alberta’s brand and visibility in priority source markets.
- Strengthen mobility, transnational education and research collaborations by fostering cross-border learning experiences and connecting Alberta’s institutions with international partners.
- Position Alberta as a premier destination for international talent — one known for rigorous education, affordability, safety, and a clear path to post-graduate job readiness.
Our value to the sector
ABIE acts as a bridge between Alberta’s public post-secondary institutions and global education ecosystems. We enable a coordinated and compelling presence in international markets—something individual institutions often can’t always achieve on their own. By offering centralized insight, outreach, and support, we support Alberta’s diverse range of institutions—from large research universities to small rural colleges—by helping create equal opportunities for success.
We also work closely with government stakeholders to shape a policy environment that supports sustainable international student growth, transnational education, and long-term talent retention. In doing so, we contribute not only to the success of Alberta’s post-secondary institutions but to the province’s economic development, labour market resilience, and global competitiveness.
Representing Alberta’s post-secondary institutions
ABIE advances the collective interests of 26 publicly funded post-secondary institutions in Alberta, including:
- Universities
- Polytechnics
- Colleges
- Independent Academic Institutions
- Unique entities
Together, these institutions form a powerful and diverse network—one that ABIE proudly supports through strategic engagement, global representation, and collaborative opportunity-building.