The University at Buffalo (UB) is experiencing remarkable growth in international enrollment, with students from 104 countries choosing UB for its focus on high-demand fields like computer science, artificial intelligence (AI), engineering, data science. This trend highlights the power of aligning academic programs with global workforce needs to attract ambitious students from around the world. For today’s students, especially those traveling internationally, the promise of clear pathways to meaningful careers is essential. At UB, this is a priority, with programs that reflect industry demands, offering students an education that combines academic rigor with hands-on preparation.

In a rapidly evolving job market, UB is committed to bridging academic learning with industry-relevant skills, equipping students with what they need to thrive. This alignment is enhanced by UB’s partnerships with industry leaders, keeping programs current and practical. A prime example is UB’s role as the hub of Empire AI, New York’s pioneering AI consortium.

Empire AI, a transformative collaboration among seven institutions, is positioning New York as a leader in AI research and technology. Backed by a $400 million investment, it will fund a new AI supercomputing facility at UB, placing the university at the forefront of AI innovation.

This facility, equipped with cutting-edge hardware, storage, and data-processing capabilities on par with tech giants like Meta, Google, and Microsoft, will draw international students from AI-driven nations like India, China, and South Korea. These students see UB as a place to engage with the latest advancements in AI, preparing them for successful careers in this transformative field.

UB’s new supercomputing facility for Empire AI represents a monumental leap in research capabilities. Building on UB’s supercomputing center, launched in 1999 with a $1.3 million gift from IBM and upgraded with Dell “cluster” computers in 2020, the Empire AI system will be “a couple of magnitudes larger – maybe 20 or 40 times more powerful,” said Venu Govindaraju, UB vice president for research and economic development.

“Right now, only the profit-making giants have the latest and greatest computing infrastructure, because no other state has made this kind of investment,” he added. This enhanced computing power will give UB researchers access to the resources typically reserved for major tech corporations, accelerating breakthroughs in AI and machine learning.

UB has long been at the forefront of AI and data science. In the 1990s, Govindaraju’s team of computer scientists “taught” computers to decipher handwriting more quickly and accurately than human beings can. UB’s autonomous handwriting recognition system, adopted by the US Postal Service in 1997, was one of the first successes in machine learning, saving the post office $90 million in the first year and billions since.

In addition to advancing AI, UB is currently experiencing a building boom that underscores its commitment to cutting-edge education and research infrastructure. The AI in Society building, for instance, will serve as a collaborative space where students and faculty from diverse fields can explore the ethical, social, and practical impacts of AI. This facility reflects UB’s commitment to fostering leaders who are skilled and prepared to use their expertise responsibly to benefit society. For international students, this offers a unique opportunity to contribute to socially aware technological advancements.

Further, UB’s new engineering building on North Campus is being designed to enhance practical learning, a critical component of preparing students for today’s workforce. With specialised labs and collaborative project spaces, the building supports partnerships with industry and gives students hands-on experience with real-world challenges. For international students seeking practical education that sets them apart in a global job market, access to these facilities is a significant draw. UB’s investment in such state-of-the-art spaces highlights its dedication to preparing students for immediate, meaningful contributions in their fields.

UB’s strong industry connections make it an appealing choice for international students looking for a direct link between education and career. Today’s students want an education closely tied to workforce demands, where they can see a clear connection between their studies and the skills employers value. Through its collaboration with industry leaders, UB integrates real-world insights into its programs, shaping course content, internships, and hands-on projects to reflect the latest trends. This alignment ensures that UB graduates are equipped with competencies that prepare them for impactful roles from day one, making the university an attractive destination for students making a significant investment in their education.

UB’s position within Western New York’s federal tech hub further strengthens its role as a regional leader in technology and innovation. The Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse corridor, now a designated tech hub, fosters a thriving technology ecosystem supported by federal and private investment.

UB’s position within Western New York’s federal tech hub further strengthens its role as a regional leader in technology and innovation

This partnership enables UB to advance research in high-tech sectors like AI and semiconductor technology, creating valuable career pathways for students. For international students, UB’s connection to this dynamic region provides unique access to careers in some of the most advanced and in-demand fields today.

For today’s students, higher education is about more than earning a degree; it’s about building a comprehensive, career-ready skill set. UB’s focus on practical learning, ethical responsibility, and real-world connections is central to its mission of preparing students for success. International students are drawn to UB not only for academic knowledge but for the skills, insights, and hands-on experiences they need to stand out in a competitive global workforce. UB provides an education that blends technical expertise with ethical consideration, fostering adaptable graduates who are ready to lead and make an impact in their fields.

As UB looks to the future, aligning academic programs with workforce realities remains a core commitment. This approach allows UB to attract ambitious, globally minded students who seek education that leads to meaningful careers. By creating pathways to high-demand industries and fostering an environment where students can engage with today’s most pressing global challenges, UB is building a university that prepares students not only to succeed but to shape the future.

For a closer look at how UB is building toward becoming a top 25 public research university, visit our Campus Master Plan.

About the Author: Christopher Connor is the vice provost for enrolment management at the University at Buffalo, part of the State University of New York system in the USA. In this role, he leads strategic initiatives across the student lifecycle, including program development, recruitment, enrolment planning, diversity initiatives, student professional development, and alumni engagement. With over 25 years of experience in international enrollment management, Christopher has contributed numerous publications to the field. His achievements include multiple awards, such as the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Professional Service and the IELTS Best Practices Award in International Enrollment Management.