Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and Universidad EIA in Colombia are excited to announce an innovative articulation agreement creating accelerated pathways to graduate studies for EIA students.
Through close academic alignment and course recognition, EIA students who have completed the Bachelor in Management Engineering program can ladder seamlessly into three of TRU master’s programs and earn a Canadian graduate degree in approximately 11 to 12 months. This isn’t just a new pathway, it’s a launchpad.
Pictured, L-R: Dr. Diego Restrepo, former dean of the School of Business, EIA University; Dr. Brett Fairbairn, former president and vice-chancellor, TRU; Dr. Jose Manuel Restrepo Abondano, former rector, EIA University, and current candidate for the vice-presidency of Colombia; ZiPing Feng, chief international enrolment officer, TRU; Manuela Velez, head of internationalization, EIA University; and Natalia Valderrama, internationalization analyst, EIA University.
“This agreement with Thompson Rivers University represents a significant step forward in our commitment to providing global pathways for our students,” said Dr. Nathalia Vélez López de Mesa, president, Universidad EIA.
“By creating a structured pathway for EIA graduates to pursue master’s degrees in environmental economics and management, we are strengthening our mission to educate globally minded leaders capable of addressing the complex sustainability challenges of our time. We are proud to partner with TRU in fostering academic excellence, international collaboration, and impactful careers.”
Universidad EIA is highly regarded for its academic rigour and the strong quantitative foundation of its graduates, making it a natural partner for TRU. As a dual-sector university focused on use-inspired research and professional alignment, TRU brings a distinctive approach to graduate education, one that translates directly into career-ready outcomes.
“As BC’s first dual-sector research university, we are excited to collaborate with a forward-thinking institution that shares our commitment to academic quality, innovation, and global engagement,” said Dr. Airini, president and vice-chancellor, TRU.
This partnership deepens academic connections between Colombia and Canada in a way that benefits students on both sides.
“EIA graduates arrive with exactly the kind of rigorous analytical foundation our programs are built for. This partnership is about giving exceptional students a clear, achievable path to a Canadian graduate credential, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome them to TRU,” said Baihua Chadwick, vice-president international, TRU.
Through this agreement, EIA students gain direct access to three graduate programs at TRU’s Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics. The Master of Environmental Economics and Management and Master of Science in Environmental Economics and Management build on students’ foundations in statistics, economics and systems-based analysis, preparing graduates to tackle complex challenges at the intersection of policy, business and sustainability. Additionally, qualified students may enter the second year of TRU’s Master of Business Administration, offering a streamlined path to an internationally recognized business credential through online, hybrid and on-campus study. All three programs are designed for high-performing students ready to translate a strong academic foundation into real-world impact.
To introduce these opportunities, TRU and EIA will host an academic launch webinar on April 15, 2026, featuring program insights from TRU faculty Joel Wood and Trent Tucker, followed by a live Q&A with TRU’s international recruitment team. A second webinar in late April will be tailored to EIA alumni ready to explore their next step. Both events are designed for students aiming to begin graduate studies at TRU in September 2026.
This partnership is intended as a pilot model for future international collaborations, supporting TRU’s long-term commitment to accessible, high-quality global education.
Thompson Rivers University is leading in sustainability. Learn more about TRU’s contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
