Global University Systems, which operates post-secondary and language programs in 57 locations worldwide, is the owner of the University of Niagara Falls Canada.

The Niagara-based institution will be the second for-profit Canadian university under the GUS umbrella. University Canada West, based in Vancouver, was founded in 2004. About 90 percent of its enrolment is international students coming from 110 countries.

In Canada, almost all other universities are not-for-profit and receive government funding to operate. Two post-secondary institutions, Brock University and Niagara College, are already located in the Niagara area.

“The University of Niagara Falls Canada will be rooted in core values of innovative education and research,” said Sheldon Levy, president of University Canada West.

“Whether it’s a young person looking to build the foundation of their career, or a working professional looking to advance their skills, the University of Niagara Falls Canada will ensure our graduates leave with a set of skills and a way of looking at the world that sets them up for success,” Levy added.

The new school will be a boon to downtown Niagara Falls, which has struggled economically as neighbouring municipalities flourished with festivals and wineries.

“The school will ensure our graduates leave with a set of skills that sets them up for success”

“This is a massive windfall for the city of Niagara Falls,” mayor Jim Diodati said. “If there was one thing on my bucket list that we had still yet to do in a big way in our community, it was this.”

The university will offer degrees in biomedical science, business, data analytics, management and digital media. “All academic programs will have a professional focus that prepares learners for a digital world,” Global University Systems said in a news release.

The Ontario ministry of colleges and universities has authorised the University of Niagara Falls Canada to award degrees.

“A new university for Niagara Falls is good news for the region, the local economy, and for employers in high demand fields,” said Ontario Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop. “Our government is committed to supporting high-quality post-secondary education that provides workers with the skills they need for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”

In addition to University Canada West, Global University Systems operates several career colleges in Canada. These include the Canadian College of Technology and Business in Vancouver, the Toronto School of Management and the Trebas Institute, with locations in Toronto and Montreal. It also has an ESL school, the Language Gallery, in Toronto and Vancouver.