WUSC is one of Canada’s longest operating global development organizations
But we’re young at heart. The energy and optimism of the young people we work with keep us eager for change and driven to find new solutions.
Our Story
WUSC (World University Service of Canada) was founded in the 1920s as part of a global network that provided support to displaced students in post-war Europe. Since then, WUSC has evolved into a Canadian global development organization working in over 30 countries around the world.
Throughout our history, we have had a consistent focus on the education and economic journeys of young people, and especially those impacted by forced displacement. Volunteering and global exchange have also always been a core part of our work. Our clarity of vision and consistency of purpose has allowed us to build the knowledge, expertise, partnerships, and networks needed to create lasting positive change with and for young people.
As a global organization headquartered in Canada, WUSC draws on a unique network of Canadian individuals and institutions, including universities, colleges, private sector partners, civil society, and the federal and provincial governments, to deliver high quality results in Canada and overseas. Our global footprint is anchored by an exceptional staff team who come from the countries in which we work, and a vast network of governmental, non-governmental, multilateral, and private sector partners. We have been present in many countries for decades, and are woven into the fabric of those countries’ civil societies.
Mission, vision, and values
Our vision is a world where every young person thrives and belongs. Our mission is to catalyze positive education and economic outcomes for young people. We support all young people, with a focus on women and displaced people.
Youth voice and agency
Young people are not just passive recipients of decisions, but active agents of change in shaping their futures, their communities, and our work. We respect, amplify, and value the perspectives and actions of young people.
Collaboration and partnership
More good is done together than apart. Our work is rooted in transformative partnerships. We value collaborations that bring together different thoughts, ideas, and skills to co-create.
Learning and innovation
Our world is constantly changing, and so, too, are the challenges and opportunities that young people face. We relentlessly pursue what works, which includes a willingness to adapt to key learnings, local contexts, and the changes around us. We use evidence and the lessons we learn to adapt our practices, explore new ideas, and innovate for greater impact.
Inclusion
We value each individual’s unique contributions. We challenge all forms of harassment and discrimination, promoting representation and involvement from all those who participate in our work. We are dedicated to removing systemic barriers so that no one is left behind, and creating an environment that enables all people to equally participate, engage, and thrive.
Courageous leadership
We are ambitious. We have to be. The issues we work on are vast and complex. We are not afraid of taking risks and being creative to advance our mission faster and at a greater scale. We boldly pursue innovative solutions, challenge the status quo, and tackle complex global issues with determination and vision.
Our team
Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, with offices across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Middle East, WUSC is powered by a global team of committed development professionals. We bring deep expertise and a shared commitment to catalyzing education and economic opportunities — so that all young people, especially women and displaced youth, can thrive and belong.
Our members
WUSC members play an important role in our programming globally and in Canada.
Institutional Members
Institutional members are Canadian post-secondary institutions that are recognized by Universities Canada or Colleges and Institutes Canada. They support the objectives of WUSC and pay an annual membership fee. WUSC’s Institutional Members may send one voting delegate and an unlimited number of observers to the WUSC Annual Assembly.
General Members
WUSC General Members include individual donors, alumni, and the Canadian public. General Members declare that they will adhere to the mission and values of WUSC and pay an annual membership fee. To learn more about becoming a member of WUSC, please contact us.
Board of Directors
WUSC is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Board meets four times per year to provide strategic direction to the organization. Board members are elected for three-year terms at WUSC’s Annual Assembly.
Local Committees
Active Local Committees have a minimum of five members within a post-secondary institution. They support WUSC’s objectives and hold at least one activity proposed by WUSC each year. Active Canadian WUSC Local Committees may send one voting delegate and an unlimited number of observers to the WUSC Annual Assembly.
Annual General Assembly and Special Meeting of the Members
The 79th WUSC Annual General Assembly (AGA) and Special Meeting of the Members will be held online on February 18, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. ET.
Registration is required by February 10th, please contact [email protected] for further information.
The annual event brings together WUSC members and delegates from across the country for this important business meeting, which is conducted in both of Canada’s official languages. During the AGA, the WUSC Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer will provide key updates on the organization’s activities.
We are also excited to highlight a special celebration this year: Celebrating the WUSC Local Committee Network.
The Draft Meeting Agenda and meeting documents will be circulated prior to the AGA and Special Meeting of the Members.
Our partners
More good is done together than apart. WUSC works with a wide variety of organizations in different ways, contexts, and project settings.
Civil society organizations
WUSC partners with community-based civil society organizations in all of our countries of operation for joint project design, development, and implementation.
Non-governmental organizations
WUSC partners with international NGOs to coordinate complementary approaches to concurrent development programming and for technical assistance.
Government institutions
WUSC partners with government institutions, from the local to the national level, to support sustainable development and service delivery.
Education institutions
WUSC partners with education institutions for research, academic expertise, and training programs. Our education partners in Canada also play an important role in the resettlement of refugees.
Private sector
WUSC partners with private sector actors to create sustainable links between demand and supply. Our private sector partners in Canada also play an important role in the resettlement of refugees.
Our work is made possible through the generosity of our donors
WUSC partners with governments, foundations, education institutions, private sector companies, and individual donors who provide critical financial and in-kind support that makes our work possible. Our donors include:
Global Affairs Canada
UNHCR
IDRC
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Mastercard Foundation
The Shapiro Foundation
McCall MacBain Foundation
World Education Services of Canada
Accountability and policies
WUSC requires that its personnel and affiliates observe high standards of ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. Employees, volunteers, consultants and partners must demonstrate honesty and integrity in fulfilling their responsibilities and comply with all applicable local and international laws as well as the WUSC Code of Conduct, policies and regulations. We are committed to duty of care and best practices to mitigate risks to health, environment, safety, security, dignity, and life of individuals. Our commitments include the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, protection of children, prevention of modern slavery, mutual respect, diversity and inclusion, compliance with all legal obligations and regulations, and proper use of public funds and assets.
Networks and councils
WUSC is a member of the following networks and councils.
