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Canada is one of the top countries of choice for those studying a bachelors and wanting to go on to work in humanitarian aid. Canadian university’s offer a wide range of undergraduate degrees, including in development studies, global justice and human rights that are highly relevant for a career in international aid.

All the bachelor’s degrees here are from leading Canadian institutions with strong connections to the aid industry. Studying one of these degrees lays a strong foundation for a future career in international aid.

Bachelor of Global and International Studies – Carleton University

Carleton University offers one of Canada’s top humanitarian undergraduate degrees – the bachelors of Global and International Studies. The degree course explores how the development divide between the ‘global north’ and ‘global south’ occurred and provides students with the historical, economic, political and social understanding needed to analyse global development trends. Taught in Ottawa, Canada, the bachelors of Global and International Studies at Carleton University covers key humanitarian topics such as human rights, climate change, global economic inequality and political science.

For those wanting to study at undergraduate level in Canada for a career in humanitarian aid, the bachelors in Global and International Studies at Carleton University provides the background needed. The university advertises the course as ideal for those wishing to work with international NGOs, government departments or the UN tackling development and humanitarian issues. Crucially, the bachelors in Global and International Studies at Carleton University aims for students to learn the theory and practical skills needed, ensuring they have the knowledge to be effective humanitarian and development professionals.

Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies – Royal Roads University

Royal Roads University in Victoria, Canada, offers an undergraduate degree in Justice Studies. Ideal for those wishing to pursue a career in humanitarian aid, the four-year bachelors covers human rights, social justice, conflict resolution and peacebuilding and criminal justice. Royal Roads advertises the bachelors as being for those who wish to work in international organisations, government agencies, humanitarian NGOs or the United Nations.

The bachelor’s degree in Social Justice at Royal Roads University is unique among Canadian undergraduate courses. Students learn the theoretical and practical skills needed to fight for social change and are encouraged to develop real-world solutions to social justice issues around the world. The undergraduate degree also allows students to develop critical thinking skills in relation to systems of justice.

Development Studies – St. Francis Xavier University

If you want to work in Humanitarian aid, a good degree choice is development studies. In Canada, St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia have a bachelor’s degree in Development Studies that focuses on community-based models of development. The undergraduate degree is taught by current humanitarian and development professionals and ensures students receive the foundational theories, methods, tools and practices needed to work in international development and humanitarian aid. On the bachelor’s degree students also get to work with leaders from across Africa, Asia and Latin America and see first-hand how effective and sustainable development can be achieved.

Studying for a career in the humanitarian aid industry by doing the bachelors in Development Studies at St. Francis Xavier University in Canada is also a good choice as the degree has options for students to gain international and humanitarian field experience. The course has placement options for students in Canadian and international organisations working in global development and humanitarian affairs. By undertaking these placements, students on the Development Studies degree at St. Francis Xavier University gain practical knowledge of development action whilst also building a strong network in the aid industry.

Human Rights and Social Justice – Carleton University

The Human Rights and Social Justice degree at Carleton University is an ideal choice for those wanting to study for a humanitarian career in Canada. Carleton University is one of Canada’s leading institutions and this course provides students the legal, political, advocacy and social strategies needed to fight injustice.  The degree covers a wide range of disciplines to provide a historical and contemporary overview of human rights and social justice issues globally.

The bachelor’s degree encourages students to challenge the current institutions assigned with upholding human rights and social justice. Students are challenged to assess critically how human rights are protected and examine a mixture of strategies and methods currently used to enhance social justice. The Carlton University bachelors in Human Rights and Social Justice should definitely be an option for students wanting to go on to work in the humanitarian industry and study in Canada.

International Development – University of Waterloo

Another strong degree to choose if you want a career in humanitarian aid is International Development. The University of Waterloo offers students a chance to study international development in Canada. The bachelor’s degree teaches the root causes of social, economic and geographic inequality. Students also learn how the environment, politics and history have affected developing nations. The International Development bachelors at the University of Waterloo in Canada ensures students have the skills and experience needed to assess development challenges around the world.

Studying international development in Canada at the University of Waterloo provides the background knowledge needed to go to work in the humanitarian aid industry. The course teaches students how to design development interventions as well as assess humanitarian projects for ethical, cultural, financial and environmental sustainability.  The bachelor’s degree also focuses on the practical tools needed to work in international development.

Bachelor of International Development – Humber College

Humber College in Toronto, Canada, offers one of the leading degrees in International Development. The undergraduate course introduces students to the foundational theories of global development, as well as academic and practical skills needed for a career in humanitarian aid. Studying international development in Canada at Humber College provides students the analytical skills needed to understand global inequality and the impact historical events and governmental decisions have had on both developing and developed countries.

The International Development bachelors at Humber College is a good choice for those wanting to go on work in humanitarian aid. The degree aims to instil in students the professional and technical knowledge that is needed to work in international aid and development, as well as skills such as project management that are key for the humanitarian industry. The bachelors also includes a work placement that allows students to gain first-hand experience of humanitarian aid and international development.

International Development Studies – University of Winnipeg

The University of Winnipeg bachelors in International Development studies is one of the best courses to study in Canada if you want to work in the humanitarian industry. The three- or four-year degree focuses on ways development practitioners can work for a more sustainable, equal and just world. Students explore real world humanitarian and development problems and learn the practical skills needed to address them. The course advertises that it aims for graduates to go onto meaningful careers in development and humanitarian action.

The International Development Studies undergraduate at the University of Winnipeg is also a good choice of Canadian bachelors for a career in humanitarian aid because students can complete a work placement. The aim of the work placement is to give students practical field experience in a humanitarian or development NGO and here they can gain key skills needed to go on to further work in the aid industry. The International Development Studies bachelors at the University of Winnipeg in Canada also teaches students community development, a key skill for humanitarian aid.

International Development Studies – University of Guelph

The University of Guelph, based in Ontario, Canada, has a bachelors in International Development Studies. The undergraduate degree teaches students the impact of economic and social development policies, as well as the theoretical background of how global inequality can be reduced. The bachelor’s degree introduces students to current development practitioners working in Canada and around the world, allowing them to learn current humanitarian trends. The course also allows students to challenge current development orthodoxies.

For those wanting to have a career in humanitarian action and study in Canada, choosing the bachelors in International Development Studies at the University of Guelph provides them with the practical skills to do so. Students are also encouraged to learn a foreign language, a valuable skill for working in the humanitarian industry. Students on the International Development Studies bachelor’s degree at the University of Guelph can also complete volunteer placements abroad allowing them to gain relevant experience to work in humanitarian relief.

Conflict Resolution Studies – University of Winnipeg

Studying peacebuilding or conflict resolution is a great foundation for a career in humanitarian aid. In Canada, the University of Winnipeg offers a bachelor’s degree in Conflict Resolution Studies. The program investigates how conflicts can be solved and violence can be prevented. The degree covers local and global conflicts and encourages students to explore what steps are involved in ending violence and what measures are needed to create sustainable and lasting peace.

In Canada, the University of Winnipeg’s Conflict Resolution Studies bachelors is one of the top courses in the field. The undergraduate degree provides key skills in peace building that link directly to requirements aid agencies require. The bachelors also covers the root causes of conflicts and violence, as well as looking into real world examples where students are able to develop analytical skills related to previous and ongoing conflicts. For those wanting a career in peacebuilding or humanitarian aid and to study in Canada, the Conflict Resolution Studies bachelors University of Winnipeg is a strong option.

Major in Global Food Security – McGill University

Starvation and hunger around the world is one of the core humanitarian needs. In Canada, McGill University in Montreal offers an industry leading bachelor’s degree in Global Food Security. The undergraduate degree trains students to think critically about ways to solve global hunger, as well as provides the knowledge and practical skills needed to run food aid programmes around the world. The bachelors also gives students a wide range of tools and methods that can be practically applied when working in humanitarian NGOs assisting with food security.

For those wanting to work in humanitarian aid focusing on food security and ending hunger, and are planning to study in Canada, the McGill University bachelors in food security is the leading degree to choose. The bachelor’s combines studies in health, environment, food provision and international development, as well as water resources, nutrition and humanitarian aid to give students the skills needed. The undergraduate in Global Food Security at McGill University also offers students a study placement where they can further their practical knowledge within an NGO.

Global Development Studies – University of the Fraser Valley

The Global Development Studies undergraduate degree at the University of the Fraser Valley near Vancouver, Canada, combines broad teaching to ensure students have critical and analytical understanding of global development issues. The bachelor’s degree explores the historical and theoretical foundations of development practice whilst allowing students to work directly with humanitarian and development professionals in Canada and abroad. The aim is for students to develop the understanding needed to be future leaders in development and humanitarian work.

Studying for a career in humanitarian aid in Canada by doing the bachelors in Global Development Studies the University of the Fraser Valley ensures you have the foundational knowledge needed. The degree encourages students to analyse current events and critique global responses. Students apply the theories learnt on the degree to create their own solutions to humanitarian and development events. The undergraduate in Global Development Studies the University of the Fraser Valley allows students to partake in internships where they work within NGOs in Canada and abroad.

International Development and Globalization – University of Ottawa

To study for a humanitarian bachelors degree in Canada, a good option is the International Development and Globalization course at the University of Ottawa. Taught in Canada’s capital, the University of Ottawa’s bachelors in International Development and Globalization links current worldwide development and the inequalities that have occurred between ‘North’ and ‘South’ to recent trends in globalisation. Students assess humanitarian issues such as human rights, poverty reduction, climate change and disaster relief and investigate how globalisation has had an effect.

Students hoping for a career in humanitarian aid by doing the International Development and Globalization in Canada at the University of Ottawa have key skills the aid industry needs such as assessing population vulnerability and fragile states. The bachelor’s degree also incorporates global health, access to education and social and corporate responsibility. Students learn how sustainable development can address some of the core humanitarian issue facing the world. By studying in Ottawa, the capital of Canada, students can also network with humanitarian professionals in some of Canada’s leading NGOs.

International Development Studies – Trent University

Trent University is based in Ontario, Canada. Their International Development Studies undergraduate degree focuses on how social transformations can be achieved in developing countries. Students learn from leading Canadian and international development professionals and focus on key development and humanitarian topics such as economics, politics, history and anthropology. The bachelors in International Development Studies at Trent University in Canada aims to train students for careers in poverty reduction, disaster response and humanitarian aid.

The International Development Studies bachelors at Trent University is a strong undergraduate degree choice for those wishing to work in international aid and wanting to study in Canada. The degree focuses particularly on how development can be achieved for the world’s most vulnerable populations and encourages students to challenge how developed nations can play a stronger humanitarian and development role in global affairs. The bachelor’s degree also covers humanitarian issue such as conflict, environment and climate change, cultural studies and fighting world hunger.

International Development Studies – University of New Brunswick

The University of New Brunswick in Ontario, Canada, offers an undergraduate degree in International Development Studies. The bachelor’s degree explores the interdependencies that have resulted from globalisation, and how developed and developing nations share economic, historical and political ties. Students also learn the key development issue facing the world’s poorest countries and practical methods and tools used to address these challenges. The University of New Brunswick’s bachelors in International Development Studies also allows students to research their own solutions to global inequality.

An advantage of studying the bachelors in International Development Studies at the University of New Brunswick in Canada for a career in humanitarian aid is that the course covers key humanitarian topics. Students learn about how dialogue between the ‘Global North’ and ‘South’ countries can increase humanitarian response effectiveness, as well as poverty, indigenous rights, ethnic tensions and sustainable global development. For those wishing to study for a career international aid in Canada, the bachelors in International Development Studies at the University of New Brunswick is a good option.

International Development Studies – Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University’s bachelors in International Development Studies is one of Canada’s top courses for humanitarians. Taught in Nova Scotia, Canada, the undergraduate degree focuses on the expertise development and humanitarian professionals need to work in the field addressing the impact of disasters, conflicts, poverty and crises. By allowing students to learn from experts in the industry, they are able to gain a deep understanding of the current state of global development, as well as challenge and have challenged their perceptions, theories and ideals around how to make the world more equal.

To enter the humanitarian industry doing the International Development Studies bachelors at Dalhousie University’s provides a good foundation. The degree encourages a diversity of students and ensures a strong debate occurs around development issues. The Dalhousie University undergraduate degree in International Development Studies covers a wide range of geographical regions and allows students to compare how different development methods have created regional variations. Another reason for those who want to go on to work in humanitarian aid should do the International Development Studies bachelors at Dalhousie University in Canada is because of the study abroad programme. This allows students to gain first-hand experience of living and working in a developing country.

Global Development Studies – Queen’s University

The Queen’s University undergraduate in Global Development Studies examines the systems of political, economic, historical and cultural routes that have led to the global development we have today. The bachelor’s degree allows students to research how developing countries have been left behind and what has led to developing countries becoming richer. The degree also has students explore different development models and how new practices in development can lead to vast reductions in global inequality.

The Queen’s University bachelors in Global Development Studies is a good choice for those wanting to study in Canada for a career in humanitarian action. The degree combines lectures, seminars, group work, research and independent study so that students build a strong understanding of development theory, but also get strong connections and networks where their beliefs and ideas of humanitarian work and international development can be challenged. Students on the Queen’s University bachelors in Global Development Studies learn from some Canada’s leading humanitarian and development professionals.

Human Rights and Human Diversity (BA) – Wilfrid Laurier University

Wilfrid Laurier University offers Canadian and international students a unique bachelor’s degree in Human Rights and Human Diversity. As one of Canada’ leading undergraduate courses for those who want to work in the humanitarian field, the degree links human rights, human rights abuses and populations challenges accessing their rights with global diversity. This unique approach allows students to study a wide range of world issues and find the links between human rights achievements and problems in individual local, regional and international settings.

For students who want to go on to work in humanitarian action, choosing the bachelors in Human Rights and Human Diversity at Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada is strong option. The degree provides students with practical skills needed to work to improve human rights around the world, as well as the tools and methods needed to fight for sustainable change. Wilfrid Laurier University advertises that the undergraduate degree in Human Rights and Human Diversity is ideal for people wanting a career in global development, international NGOs, the UN or humanitarian aid.

If you want to learn more about studying to become a humanitarian aid worker, explore our list of the top humanitarian aid online courses here.