Overview
How much does it cost for my institution to participate in the survey?
The cost of participation in the International Student and Alumni Survey is included in the annual CBIE membership fee. Institutions that are not members of CBIE are also welcome to participate in the survey. The fee to participate in the survey for non-members is $5,500. Learn how to become a CBIE member.
Can I add custom questions to the survey for my students?
No, the survey is standardized.
When should I launch the ethics review process?
Institutions should start their ethics review process as soon as possible to ensure the survey can be launched on October 13, 2027.
What are the target populations for these surveys?
The International Student Survey (ISS) is intended for international students enrolled in a full degree or diploma program in Canada. International students include all individuals studying in Canada with a study permit, a visitor visa, or a work permit that allows them to undertake research activities. International exchange students are not included in this target population.
The International Alumni Survey (IAS) is intended for international alumni who have completed a full degree, diploma, or certificate program at a participating Canadian post-secondary institution. All international alumni are eligible to participate, regardless of their place of residence at the time of the survey, provided they graduated between 2019 and 2027 inclusive.
Can identifiers be included in the survey or must it be anonymous?
No. The survey is administered anonymously, and CBIE does not collect information that would allow individual respondents to be identified. Survey results are reported only in aggregate form to protect participant confidentiality and privacy. Institutions receive summarized findings and do not have access to individual-level responses.
What if I do not want to participate in the International Alumni Survey?
Participation in the International Alumni Survey (IAS) is entirely optional. Institutions may choose to participate in the International Student Survey (ISS) without taking part in the IAS. If you decide not to participate in the IAS, there is no impact on your institution’s participation in the ISS. You are welcome to join the IAS in a future survey cycle if it aligns with your institutional priorities.