Universities Canada | The Canadian Encyclopedia

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Universities Canada

Universities Canada is a membership organization representing Canadian universities. The organization is based in Ottawa, Ontario.

Universities Canada

The organization’s history dates back to 1911. Previously known as the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, it adopted its current name in 2015.

Universities Canada is made up of Canada's public and private, not-for-profit universities and university-degree level colleges. (See Universities in Canada.) As of 2024, six organizations representing specific academic or administrative interests are also associate members. These include the Business Schools Association of Canada, the Canadian Association of Research Libraries, the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing, the Canadian Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, the Canadian Association for University Continuing Education and the Canadian University Boards Association.

Universities Canada has a major advocacy agenda and a related and strong research and policy analysis function. The organization also promotes and facilitates co-operation and sharing among its members. It administers a large portfolio of scholarships and international programs. Universities Canada also serves as a clearing house for information on Canadian higher education.

Its publications include a magazine, University Affairs, published six times a year, and an annual Directory of Canadian Universities.