General
The pilot phase of the GSO program ended in March 2025.
The program funded 150 mobility projects and 172 Innovation Fund projects, and supported nearly 15,000 Canadian students’ global learning experiences.
Global Skills Opportunity was funded by the Government of Canada through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
The program sought to diversify study/work-abroad destination countries. ‘Non-traditional countries’ refers to all countries other than the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Australia, where many Canadian students already opt to work and study.
In 2019, the Government of Canada launched its five-year International Education Strategy, Building on Success, which highlights the importance of international experiences that offer students exposure to new cultures and ideas in destinations for work or study abroad that are key global markets. The Global Skills Opportunity program was designed to drive innovative solutions that brought more international learning experiences to campuses across the country.
Students
Each participating institution had its own eligibility requirements based on their individual project(s). That being said, Global Skills Opportunity projects wee open to all Canadian post-secondary students but prioritized underrepresented students (Indigenous students, low-income students and those with disabilities).
- Student participants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, registered at a provincially recognized Canadian post-secondary institution.
- Students must be in good standing as defined and determined by the post-secondary institution to which they are registered.
- Students must be 18 years of age or older.
International students were ineligible for funding.
Industry Partners
To compete in the global marketplace, Canada needs a globally aware workforce. You can help. By partnering with GSO, you’re making international learning experiences more accessible for Canadian students, allowing them to develop in-demand global skills, and fortifying Canada’s international networks.
We’re seeking industry leaders across sectors to support Global Skills Opportunity through sponsorship, endorsement, work-integrated learning opportunities, and by providing services at special rates for participating students.
If you’re interested in partnering with Global Skills Opportunity, please email gso-ecm@collegesinstitutes.ca or studentmobility@univcan.ca for more information.