UNB and Canadian University Dubai launch new health pathway program
Author: UNB Newsroom
Posted on Dec 15, 2025
Category: Press Releases
The University of New Brunswick has signed a new pathway agreement with Canadian University Dubai (CUD), expanding opportunities for CUD students and reinforcing UNB’s commitment to innovative solutions that strengthen a resilient health ecosystem.
Under the new 2+2 pathway, students enrolled in CUD’s bachelor of science in public health program can transfer into the third year of UNB’s School of Integrated Health’s bachelor of health program.
The agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony on UNB’s Saint John campus in late November. This milestone deepens UNB’s 20-year partnership with CUD and marks the seventh pathway agreement between the two institutions.
The signing comes at a pivotal moment in Canada–United Arab Emirates (UAE) relations. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, in Abu Dhabi to advance bilateral ties and set priorities for trade and investment—the first leader-level meeting in over 40 years.
This historic engagement underscores a shared commitment to fostering prosperity and innovation through education and collaboration.
“I firmly believe there is no better place to collaborate and pilot these innovations than right here in the health innovation corridor that connects UNB, NBCC, Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick and the Saint John Regional Hospital,” said Dr. Paul J. Mazerolle, president and vice chancellor of UNB. “We look forward to welcoming students from around the world and providing them with opportunities to make tangible improvements in the lives of others.”
As part of this agreement, CUD students will have the opportunity to specialize in one of three areas within UNB’s bachelor of health program:
- Management and Health
- Biomedical and Health
- Society and Health
These pathways align closely with CUD’s specializations in environmental health management and health administration, ensuring a seamless academic transition for students.
“This partnership reinforces our Canadian identity in the UAE,” said Professor Abdelkrim Chelli, president and vice chancellor of CUD. “It expands the global mobility and academic opportunities our students expect. Together with UNB, we offer a world-class health education. Rooted in two nations committed to innovation and human development."
This initiative advances a core priority of UNB’s Integrated Health Initiative, strengthening the university’s leadership in health innovation while building a talent pipeline equipped to shape the future of the health sector.
Canadian University Dubai continues to lead the region, securing the title of #1 University in Dubai in the QS World University Rankings 2026—its fifth year in a row holding the top position.
The CUD–UNB Bachelor of Health Pathway Program will launch in Fall 2026, with enrolment for CUD students opening in March.
About CUD
Established in 2006, Canadian University Dubai (CUD) is a higher education institution located in City Walk, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The university is the #1 ranking University in Dubai according to the QS World University Rankings 2025. CUD is a diverse and dynamic institution where students representing over 120 nationalities experience an education that is grounded in sustainable development principles and prepares graduates for success in an AI-driven future. With a reputation for academic excellence, the university offers more than 30 specialized majors, concentrations, and focus area pathways, through over 25 accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The curriculum is Canadian-inspired and serves as a gateway for students to pursue higher education, research, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities in Canada.
About UNB
The University of New Brunswick (UNB) is Canada's oldest English-language university, and New Brunswick’s only national comprehensive university. Founded in 1785, the multi-campus institution has a rich history as well as a dynamic focus on research, innovation, experiential learning and entrepreneurship. UNB welcomes more than 10,000 students from 100 countries to its campuses. With over 100 programs in 14 faculties, UNB helps students acquire the abilities needed to make an impact in their communities.
Media contacts
Kathleen McLaughlin
Media Relations Strategist
University of New Brunswick
media@unb.ca
Aya Sharif
Marketing Manager
Canadian University Dubai
Ayah.Sharif@cud.ac.ae