North of 60: New university in Canada sparks global interest

05 Dec 2019

Launching next year, Canada’s first Arctic university plans to place local Indigenous knowledge at the heart of its programmes.

Nestled in the ‘North of 60’, the area of Canada that lies north of a latitude of 60°N, it will be a unique university experience where students study their selected degree and learn from Yukon’s expertise in Indigenous self-determination, sustainable resource development and the study of climate change.

Yukon University, located North of 60 in Canada, has expanded international student recruitment. Source: Priscilla du preez/Unsplash

Passing the Third Reading stage, the Yukon University Act will set the legal framework for a university in Yukon once it has received assent and come into force.

With Yukon College in action since 1983, it will merge into the new Yukon University (YukonU), and a lot of work will take place in the next few years to ensure Yukon University is in alignment with the new legislation.

“Internationally, Yukon College will be more successful as Yukon University. We will have the ability to bring the world’s cultures to the North, providing a globalised education for Yukoners,” says the university.

For Yukon students, or ‘Yukoners’, this will mean increased opportunity for degree completion closer to home and access to credentials that are focused on the North.

International students with a study permit can take advantage of opportunities to learn about Indigenous self-determination, Indigenous cultures and Canada’s North.

Already sparking global interest, Yukon University has expanded international student recruitment and diversified the countries of origin of international students at YukonU.

“At the same time, we have instituted a cap so that international students do not make up more than 15% of all credit students,” notes YukonU.

University of the Arctic board met in Whitehorse this week. They discussed the next UArctic strat plan and fundraising as well as enjoying the Whitehorse and dinner with Yukon College execs and @YukonGov ministers. https://t.co/FAAmaoLsB8 @uarctic #circumpolar #network #YukonU pic.twitter.com/AgtVbCxPCD

— Yukon University (@YukonUniversity) November 27, 2019

Yukon University already offers two made-in-Yukon degrees, the Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Governance and the Bachelor of Business Administration, and three co-delivered degree programmes- the Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Education in partnership with the University of Regina, and the Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Conservation Sciences in partnership with the University of Alberta.

Plus, the university will soon be developing a Bachelor of Arts in Northern Studies to launch in 2021-22.

Prioritising the needs of Yukon students, the university also aims to increase opportunities for students from across Canada to experience and study in the North.

“Yukon University plans to recruit students from across Canada, especially for our new degree programmes and niche areas – Indigenous self-determination and governance, sustainable resource development, technology and innovation and climate change – society and environment,” the university states.

This is an exciting development on the international university scene, especially for prospective international students who are keen to study in the Canadian Arctic.

The plan is for Yukon University to officially launch May 8 and 9, 2020 with a convocation ceremony for the first graduates of YukonU and an open house celebration at Ayamdigut campus in Whitehorse sponsored by @CIBC. #YukonU #cdnpoli #cdnpse pic.twitter.com/WebhftxhEw

— Yukon University (@YukonUniversity) November 22, 2019