Smith partners with South Africa’s Stellenbosch

Monday, 01 October 2018

Smith School of Business has added its first partner school in Africa: Stellenbosch University and the University of Stellenbosch Business School in South Africa.

The agreement allows students in Queen’s Commerce and the Master of International Business program to go on exchange to Stellenbosch University, located near Cape Town in the town of Stellenbosch.

Full-time MBA students will be able to attend the University of Stellenbosch Business School.

“We are pleased to welcome Stellenbosch as one of Smith’s top-tier partner schools around the world,” said David Saunders, Dean, Smith School of Business. “Engaging in strategic partnerships that enhance our program offerings is a core part of the school’s strategy.”

One challenge for African students wishing to study in Canada is the cost. So a new scholarship has been created thanks to an alumni couple: Douglas McIntosh, BCom’82, and Catherine McIntosh, BCom’82.

The Douglas & Catherine McIntosh Scholarship will be awarded on the basis of academic excellence and leadership qualities to African students coming to Smith on exchange. It will go to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to take part in an exchange.

“Both the funding and placement support for our students strengthens Stellenbosch’s intent to provide an international experience to as many students as possible,” said Hester C. Klopper, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Strategy and Internationalization, at Stellenbosch University. “It is an honour to be associated with one of the best universities in Canada through Smith School of Business.”

The High Commissioner for South Africa to Canada, Sibongiseni Dlamini-Mntambo, added that the “collaboration between Stellenbosch University and Queen’s University will add to South Africa’s skills development program and impact our economy positively through job creation.”

Smith now has exchange partnerships with more than 120 top-tier schools on six continents. The addition of the first African partner marks an important milestone for Smith, said Angela James, Director of the school’s Centre for International Management.