National College of Ireland (NCI) and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) have formalised a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, establishing a framework for collaborative education and applied research between the two institutions, as reported by NCI.

The agreement was signed in Dublin on 13 April during a visit by SAIT President Dr David Ross to NCI President Professor Gina Quin, marking the first in a series of strategic partnerships NCI is developing with Canadian higher education institutions.

The MoU enables student mobility and international learning experiences, collaborative online and project-based learning, joint applied research initiatives and innovation in digital and blended teaching. The partnership also carries a longer-term ambition to co-design joint qualifications providing international pathways for learners in both jurisdictions.

Professor Quin said the two institutions share a common educational philosophy. "SAIT and NCI share so many of the same values and goals, a focus on student-centred educational excellence, a life changing student experience, delivering an industry-relevant education that ensures graduates are prepared not just for jobs but for lifelong careers," she said.

Dr Ross said the agreement builds on a shared mission. "We're building on an aligned mission of empowering students with the skills and experience they need to succeed," he said.

Professor Paul Stynes, Dean of NCI's School of Computing, said the collaboration opens significant applied technology opportunities. "I am most excited about the opportunity for our students to collaborate internationally on applied technology projects, particularly in areas such as AI, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, and software innovation," he said.

Read the full details of the NCI and SAIT partnership in the full announcement.