| A | B | C | D | E | F | |
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1 | Mapping Support Services at Canadian Universities Affiliated with the Scholars-At-Risk Network | |||||
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3 | Higher Education Institution | # | Resource/Support Program Name | Overview | Initiative Duration & Type | Link |
4 | Carleton University | 1 | HOPE Scholarship for Refugee Women | Awarded each year to a student with a refugee background who is enrolled at Carleton University. Preference is given to female students in need of financial assistance. The scholarship amount is $1000, with a minimum average GPA of 80%. | Endowed in 2022, end date unknown. Financial aid. | Read more here. |
5 | 2 | Academic Advancement Grant for Afghan Scholars | The Placement, Preservation and Perseverance (PPP) project at Carleton University supports Afghan at-risk scholars, activists, and students. Funded by the IDRC, the project aims to create a sustainable, humanistic approach for resettling Afghan beneficiaries in Canada. It focuses on placement, preserving Afghan knowledge, and fostering intergenerational connections. The initiative places Afghan scholars in Canadian institutions, supports research, and builds a mentoring network to sustain academic freedom and community. | 2022-2024. Mentorship and financial support to fund research projects. | Read more here. | |
6 | 3 | Welcome to Canada Bursary | This bursary helps refugee students who were previously enrolled in post-secondary education in their home countries but are unable to afford tuition in Canada. It was created by donors Paula and Vicken Koundakjian to give young adults a better chance of pursuing higher education | Launch/end dates unknown. Bursary. | Read more here. | |
7 | 4 | International Student Services Office (ISSO) | Provides information and support on student and work permits, and immigration for international students, including those from conflict zones. | Launch/end dates unknown. Education and immigration support mainly. | Read here more 1. Read here more 2. | |
8 | 5 | War in Ukraine Observatory | This platform offers practical information and resources for Ukrainian refugees, including employment, housing, education, and child care assistance | Launch/end dates unknown. Social and community support. | Read more here. | |
9 | 6 | WUSC The Student Refugee Program | A program combining resettlement with opportunities for higher education, managed by Local Committees at various universities. It provides comprehensive support including financial sponsorship, integration assistance, and a community of support. Over 100 Canadian campuses participate, helping over 150 refugee students each year. The program provides them with access to financial, settlement, and overall a well-rounded support system for sponsored students to ease their transition into Canadian society. The program provides this support for their entire undergraduate period. It is lso worth highlighting that WUSC-SRP have been mainly sponsoring students from refugee camps in Africa with recent expansions to include students from Syria and Afghanistan. WUSC Carleton was the first local committee to sponsor and host a refugee student back when the SRP program first launched in 1978. Carleton mainly sponsors 2 refugee students each year with some years sponsoring 3 students. | Launched at Carleton in 1978. Ongoing. Financial Aid, social, mental health, career, and immigration support. | Read more here. | |
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11 | Dalhousie University | 1 | The Dalhousie Student Refugee Fund (DalSRF) | One time project, launched in 2015 in response to Syrian crisis to sponsor ONE Syrian refugee student through the WUSC Dalhousie program. Launched in 2015 in response to the Syrian crisis to sponsor one Syrian refugee student through the WUSC Dalhousie program. The committee supports students with various needs, including academics, social events, and essential services. | One time program launched in 2015. Financial aid. | Read more here. |
12 | 2 | WUSC The Student Refugee Program | A program combining resettlement with higher education opportunities is managed by Local Committees at various universities. It provides comprehensive support, including financial sponsorship, integration assistance, and a community of support. Over 100 Canadian campuses participate, helping more than 150 refugee students each year. The program offers financial, settlement, and overall support for sponsored students throughout their undergraduate studies. Notably, WUSC-SRP has primarily sponsored students from refugee camps in Africa, with recent expansions to include students from Syria and Afghanistan. While the exact number of students sponsored each year at Dalhousie through the WUSC-SRP is unknown, the program's website highlights that, in addition to financial, educational, social, and health support, student members host events, outings, and activities to create a welcoming environment for students at Dalhousie. | Launch date at Dalhousie, unknown. Financial Aid, social, mental health, career, and immigration support. | Read more here. | |
13 | 3 | Special Response Fund for Trainees (Ukraine) - Dalhousie | The grant supports graduate students and postdoctoral researchers affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Administered by Canada's three federal research funding agencies—the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)—and distributed through various Canadian higher education institutions, this fund assists trainees in Canada who were expected to return to Ukraine but cannot due to the crisis, as well as those who wish to continue their studies and research in Canada. The grant provides $20,000 for master's level, $25,000 for doctoral level, and up to $45,000 for postdoctoral level, offered as supplements for salaries and stipends for up to one year. | March, 2022 until December 2022. Funding. | Read more here. | |
14 | 4 | Ukrainian Emergency Research Support Program | Provides research assistant grants to Ukrainian students from research-intensive programs in Ukraine who wish to continue their research projects in Nova Scotia. Additionally, it offers visiting researcher start-up grants to institutions that hire early-career and established researchers leaving their research positions in Ukraine. While this grant is established by Research Nova Scotia, the majority of researchers are placed at Dalhousie. Post-secondary institutions wishing to host Ukrainian students can contact Research Nova Scotia for collaboration. | Launch and end dates unknown. Funding | Read more here. | |
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16 | McGill University | 1 | WUSC The Student Refugee Program | While McGill's program is similar to other WUSC-SRP initiatives, it only offers a year of full financial sponsorship, integration assistance, and community support. However, McGill provides bursaries to cover tuition and fees for WUSC-SRP Scholars' subsequent years of study in their first McGill degree. This funding comes from a $4 levy collected from all McGill students each semester, based on a student referendum, and is administered by the Scholarships & Student Aid Office. In March 2021, a successful SSMU referendum allowed the levy to increase from $2 to $4, enabling the program to sponsor more students, increasing the number from 3 to 5. | Launched at McGill in 1986. Ongoing. Financial Aid, social, mental health, career, and immigration support. | Read more here. |
17 | 2 | Ukrainian Volunteer-Led Mental Health Support | Free mental health services will be offered to Ukrainian refugees and their families in order to support their acculturation process in Montreal. Led by Nate Fuks, the program involves around 200 volunteers, including psychologists and social workers, who offer therapy sessions primarily to women and children. The initiative includes art therapy for children, support groups for interpreters, and activities for parents. It addresses issues such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The project also involves extensive volunteer training and is raising funds through McGill's Crowdfunding page for professional interpreters. | Launch/end dates unknown. Mental Health. | Read more here. | |
18 | 3 | Ukrainian Wellness Program: Community Integration and Mental Health Support | Two Ukrainian members of McGill University's community have initiated the Ukrainian Wellness Program to provide mental health services to Ukrainian refugees. Launched by Darya Naumova and Dasha Sandra, the program offers free support groups, psychotherapy, and community activities. Funded by the UNF Foundation and the Joyce Foundation, the program aims to address the mental health needs of displaced Ukrainians and assist their integration into Quebec. The program received over $143,000 in funding from the UNF Foundation and the Joyce Foundation. It leverages McGill's resources and partnerships with local organizations. | Launch/end dates unknown. Mental Health. | Read more here. | |
19 | 4 | The McGill University Ukrainian Aid Initiative | The McGill University Ukrainian Aid Initiative offers a variety of mental health services for Ukrainian refugees, including individual and family therapy, mindfulness and trauma-informed support groups, and activities such as tai chi, creative arts, yoga, and authentic movement classes. These services aim to provide culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care. The initiative also seeks volunteers, including interpreters, to support its efforts. | Launch/end dates unknown. Mental health. | Read more here. | |
20 | 5 | Virtual Training for Ukrainian Healthcare Workers | McGill University, through the Steinberg Centre for Simulation and Interactive Learning, has provided virtual training to Ukrainian healthcare workers. The initiative, led by Dr. Dan Deckelbaum and supported by a multidisciplinary team, created videos demonstrating life-saving surgical procedures. These materials, narrated in Ukrainian, aim to help non-surgeons perform essential medical tasks. | Launch/end dates unknown. Education support. | Read more here. | |
21 | 6 | McGill Students and Scholars at Risk Fund | The fund $400,000 – will provide urgent financial support to international undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, scholars and researchers who have been displaced by global conflicts or humanitarian emergencies. The support provided includes tuition waivers, health insurance, scholarships for living expenses, housing, and language support. | Launch/end dates unknown. Although funding is permanent. Scholarship support. | Read more here. | |
22 | 7 | MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program (MFS) | The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University selects academically talented young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa, providing them with comprehensive support for a world-class education. The program aims to create conditions for inclusive and relevant education, smooth transitions into dignified work, and transformative leadership. Based on an article published in 2013, according to a ten-year plan McGill is to sponsor 91 students. | Launch date 2013. Ongoing. Resettlement and education, financial support, social and academic support, and leadership and advocacy. | Read more here 1. Read more here 2. | |
23 | 8 | McGill Mastercard Foundation (MCF) Transitions Project | Building on the MFS program, this project aims to support students transitioning from university into the workforce across Africa. Through the MCF project, alumni gain access to support through two primary avenues: 1. Global Networks: A network comprising employers, educational institutions, civil society organization partners, and McGill alumni to support MCF Scholars and Alumni. 2. Training and Support Programs: These programs are designed to aid MCF Scholars in their re-entry and career advancement, focusing on four main types of activities: - Experiential Learning/Internships - Entrepreneurship and Employment Creation projects, facilitated through the McGill MCF Transitions Fund (MCF-TF) - Professional Development and Mentorship | Launch date unknown. Ongoing. Employment and transition out of university support. | Read more here. | |
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25 | McMaster | 1 | Special Response Fund for Trainees (Ukraine) - McMaster | Funding is provided by the government of Canada to existing research projects administered by Ukrainian graduate students. The funding is distributed through various universities across Canada and graduate students who either live in Canada or Ukraine are eligible to apply if they wish to continue their research projects. The maximum funding distributed ranges: Master’s Level – $20,000; Doctoral Level – $25,000; Postdoctoral Level – $45,000 for a period of 12 months. | March, 2022-December 2022. Financial aid. | Read more here. |
26 | 2 | WUSC The Student Refugee Program | A program combining resettlement with higher education opportunities is managed by Local Committees at various universities. It provides comprehensive support, including financial sponsorship, integration assistance, and a community of support. Over 100 Canadian campuses participate, helping more than 150 refugee students each year. The program offers financial, settlement, and overall support for sponsored students throughout their undergraduate studies. Notably, WUSC-SRP has primarily sponsored students from refugee camps in Africa, with recent expansions to include students from Syria and Afghanistan. The number of students sponsored each year by WUSC McMaster is unknown. | Launch date at McMaster unknown. Ongoing. Financial Aid, social, mental health, career, and immigration support. | Read more here. | |
27 | 3 | Students at Risk Bursary (SARB) Supporting forcibly displaced students | Application to the Students at Risk Bursary does not guarantee financial support, as bursary funds are limited and disbursed based on the highest need. Funding is available for recipients who have applied to and received an offer of admission to an undergraduate program. Established in March 2022, the SARB is supported by a $200,000 fund aimed at sponsoring and supporting forcibly displaced students, including refugees, at both undergraduate and graduate levels. This initiative emerged from a community collaboration led by McMaster’s Committee on Students and Scholars in Crisis (CSSC), originating from initial discussions in the summer of 2021 focused on assisting Afghan students and scholars. | Ongoing with no specified end date. Launch date unknown. Financial aid. | Read more here. | |
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29 | Simon Fraser University (SFU) | 1 | Refugees and Newcomers Programs (RNP) is delivered through the SFU International Services for Students (ISS) | Provides support services for current SFU students identifying as a refugee through case services. Support programs include: - Academic advising - Health and counselling services - Financial aid - Spiritual aid - Career and volunteer services | Launch/end dates unknown. Financial Aid, social, mental health, career, immigration support, peer mentorship. | Read more here. |
30 | 2 | Funding for Afghan Scholars | SFU's announces to support Afghan scholars amid the crisis in Afghanistan, focusing on protecting academic freedom and women's education rights. It includes mental health resources like the My SSP app, federal immigration measures, and critical incident support. SFU also partners with Scholars at Risk and WUSC to fund and host Afghan scholars. The initiative encourages donations to support these scholars' relocation and settlement. | Launched August, 2021. No specified end date. Financial and settlement support. | Read more here. | |
31 | 3 | Refugee Livelihood Lab | The Refugee Livelihood Lab at Simon Fraser University Beedie School of Business aims to create equitable systems for displaced and migrant communities. It focuses on leadership development, community advocacy, and systemic change through initiatives like the Migrant Systems Change Leadership Certificate and the Trampoline program for social ventures. The lab emphasizes the leadership of impacted communities and practical initiatives that challenge existing social and economic barriers. | 2018-2020. Social and economic inclusion. | Read more here. | |
32 | 4 | The Uggla Family Scholarship at SFU | The Uggla Family Scholarship at Simon Fraser University supports 10 exceptional students annually who might not otherwise afford a university education. Although the scholarship is not supporting displaced students alone, it has been launched to promote DEI initiatives. It covers costs for tuition, fees, books, housing, and expenses. The program begins a new cohort each fall term, aiming to foster a diverse and inclusive educational environment. It includes robust orientation, leadership programming, mentorship, and various support services. The program, starting its first cohort in fall 2021, also fosters a network of support and development opportunities. | Launched in fall 2021- Ongoing with no specific end date. Educational and financial support. | Read more here. | |
33 | 5 | WUSC The Student Refugee Program | At SFU, the WUSC Student Refugee Program (SRP) supports refugee students by combining resettlement with higher education opportunities. Each year, SFU sponsors six undergraduate refugee students from overseas camps, providing financial support for books, tuition, and living expenses for the first six terms. The program also offers settlement services, academic advising, health and counselling, career support, and community engagement activities. | Ongoing. Launched at SFU in 1981. Financial Aid, social, mental health, career, and immigration support. | Read more here. | |
34 | 6 | The Simon Fraser Student Society & WUSC Undergraduate Award for Refugee Students | The Simon Fraser Student Society & WUSC Undergraduate Award for Refugee Students was established at Simon Fraser University in 2022 with a five-year commitment from the Simon Fraser Student Society. This award aims to provide financial assistance to students who have demonstrated community service within an organization benefiting the refugee community. Each year, one award valued at $10,000 CAD will be granted to a full-time undergraduate protected convention refugee student who must be a Canadian permanent resident or citizen. | Established at SFU in 2022 with a five-year commitment from the SFU Student Society. Financial Aid and Scholarships. | Read more here. | |
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36 | Memorial University of Newfoundland | 1 | WUSC The Student Refugee Program | The program was formally introduced at Memorial University following a successful student referendum in November 2019. The first sponsored refugee student arrived in 2020. Memorial University’s WUSC Local Committee continually supports the integration of student refugees into the academic and social space of the university. This includes organizing events and activities to engage the campus community and promote global citizenship. The program combines refugee resettlement with opportunities for higher education, providing comprehensive support for students from conflict zones. Funded through a $2 per semester levy paid by undergraduate students, ensuring at least 12 months of financial backing for the scholars. As of Fall 2023, Memorial University has welcomed a total of five SRP scholars. | Launched at Memorial University in 2018. Ongoing. Resettlement and education, financial support, social and academic support, and leadership and advocacy. | Read more here. |
37 | 2 | Ukrainian Family Support Desk | This initiative provides comprehensive pre-arrival and post-arrival support, including resume translation, job interview facilitation, immigration navigation, and accommodations. It is designed to help Ukrainian refugees integrate smoothly into Newfoundland and Labrador | Launched in March, 2022. End date unknown. Re-settlement and settlement support. | Read more here. | |
38 | 3 | Ukraine Job Connect | Memorial University and the Newfoundland and Labrador government have launched the Ukraine Job Connect initiative, offering $11 million in housing and employment support for Ukrainians. The program includes wage subsidies, training, job matching, and housing assistance, including a homestay hosting program and moving expense support. This initiative aims to support the nearly 2,800 Ukrainians in the province and help them settle and find employment. | Launched in 2023. End date unknown. Employment support. | Read more here. | |
39 | 4 | Homestay Hosting Program (Ukrainian students) | Provides financial incentives ($1,000 monthly for up to five months) to families hosting Ukrainian refugees. Additional moving expense assistance is also offered to those transitioning to leased accommodations | Launched in 2023. End date unknown. Moving and housing support. | Read more here. | |
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41 | Mount Royal University | 1 | The Students’ Association of Mount Royal University (SAMRU) & WUSC-SRP | The Students’ Association of Mount Royal University (SAMRU) operates a Student Refugee Program (SRP) in partnership with the World University Service of Canada (WUSC). This program combines refugee resettlement with opportunities for higher education. SAMRU collaborates with Mount Royal University (MRU) to sponsor refugee students. MRU provides in-kind support for up to eight courses, including fees, and offers eight months of residence (four months sponsored by SAMRU). The funding aims to cover up to $11,500 annually for each student refugee, ensuring their basic needs and educational expenses are met. The program has so far sponsored one student and does not plan to sponsor another refugee student for now. | Officially launched in the 2021-2022 academic year. Ongoing. Financial Aid, social, mental health, career, and immigration support. | Read more here 1. Read more here 2. |
42 | 2 | MRU Residence Welcomes Ukrainian Evacuees | Mount Royal University (MRU) has welcomed nearly 100 Ukrainian refugees (not just students) to reside in its East Residence townhouses from June to August 2022. These accommodations provide fully equipped living spaces, and refugees benefit from low rates, free access to MRU recreation facilities, and the Riddell Library and Learning Centre. This initiative aims to support the refugees in their transition to life in Calgary, providing a safe and comfortable environment after fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. | June to August 2022. Housing support. | Read more here. | |
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44 | Ontario College of Art & Design (OCAD) University | 1 | The Ryerson University Lifeline Syria Challenge (RULSC) | The Ryerson University Lifeline Syria Challenge (RULSC), in which OCAD University, York University, and the University of Toronto participated, aimed to address the Syrian refugee crisis by mobilizing resources and community support to sponsor and resettle Syrian refugees in Canada. The aim was to sponsor and resettle 25 Syrian refugee families, approximately 100 individuals, in Canada. OCAD University has set an initial target to sponsor one Syrian family with an estimated cost of $27,000. Dr. Sara Diamond, then President of OCAD U, initiated this effort with a $5,000 personal commitment. However, the program saw significant activity from 2015 to around 2017, by which time it had surpassed its initial goals. The efforts from the universities and community volunteers ensured that about 80 families were resettled successfully. | 2015 - 2017. Resettlement support. | Read more here 1. Read more here 2. Read more here 3. Read more here 4. |
45 | 2 | WUSC The Student Refugee Program | Based on available data, OCAD University does not currently have a World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Student Refugee Program (SRP) listed among its initiatives. While OCAD offers various support programs for international students, including financial aid, mental health services, and housing support, there is no specific mention of a WUSC SRP at the university. | N/A | N/A | |
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47 | Queen's University | 1 | Ukraine Response Initiatives | The Office of the Registrar provides emergency bursary support for students whose funding may have been affected by the war in Ukraine. | Launch/end dates unknown. Financial aid. | Read more here. |
48 | 2 | Principal’s Global Scholars and Fellows | The Principal’s Global Scholars and Fellows Program at Queen's University supports faculty, post-doctoral fellows, and students displaced by war, conflict, and political instability. Initial funding was $1.25 million CAD. It consists of two streams: Principal’s Global Scholars: Provides admissions pathways and funding for forcibly displaced undergraduate and graduate students. Collaborates with the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Student Refugee Program for undergraduate placements. Principal’s Global Fellows: Offers support to displaced faculty members and post-doctoral fellows through partnerships with organizations like Scholars at Risk and the Institute of International Education’s Scholar Rescue Fund. The funding is for one year. | Launched April, 2022. End date unknown. Financial and Resettlement support. | Read more here. | |
49 | 3 | Tent Coalition for Refugees in Canada | Queen's University participates in the Tent Coalition, working with major companies to create economic opportunities for refugees. The coalition aims to help refugees from Ukraine, Afghanistan, and other countries integrate into the Canadian economy by providing job opportunities, training, and tailored resources. Major companies across various sectors, such as Accenture, TD Bank, and McCain Foods, have joined this initiative to address labor shortages and support refugees in building their new lives in Canada. The coalition provides its member companies with guidance on setting up successful refugee-hiring programs, access to best practices, and opportunities for mentorship. | Launched in July 2022. End date unknown. Employment support. | Read more here. | |
50 | 4 | Queen’s Refugee Student Initiative (QRSI) & WUSC-SRP Queen's | The Queen’s Refugee Student Initiative (QRSI) at Queen’s University is part of the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Student Refugee Program. The initiative offers a four-year financial package that covers tuition, fees, and living expenses. This funding comes from a combination of student activity fees, the Principal Wallace Freedom of Opportunity Fund, and university financial aid resources. The local WUSC committee helps students with setting up bank accounts, navigating the healthcare system, and acclimating to their new environment. Although there is no mention of how many students are sponsored each year, in 2016, Queen’s sponsored five additional students from Syria. In 2021, the university committed to sponsoring five additional students from Afghanistan. | Launched in 1989. End date unknown. Financial Aid, social, mental health, career, and immigration support. | Read more here. | |
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52 | Saint Mary's University | 1 | WUSC The Student Refugee Program | Saint Mary's University (SMU) actively participates in the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Student Refugee Program (SRP). This initiative, running since 2007, is managed by the SMU WUSC Local Committee. The program sponsors one refugee student annually, providing them with opportunities for higher education and resettlement in Canada. This includes helping them settle into their new environment, providing academic and social support, and raising awareness about global refugee issues. The program is funded in part by a student fee that contributes to supporting the WUSC students. This fee helps cover various expenses related to the program, ensuring that the sponsored refugee students have the resources they need to succeed. The SMU WUSC Local Committee supports these students through various activities, including social events and community engagement to ensure their successful integration into the university and local community. There is no data on how many students are sponsored through the program. | Launched in 2007. Ongoing. Resettlement and education, financial support, social and academic support, and leadership and advocacy. | Read more here. |
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54 | Trent University | 1 | WUSC The Student Refugee Program | Trent University sponsors one refugee student each year through the WUSC Student Refugee Program. In response to the Syrian refugee crisis in 2015, Trent doubled its commitment, aiming to sponsor two students per year. Each year Trent supports two newcomers to Canada. For each student the following department contributes: - Trent Financial Aid - donates two full-time terms of tuition (8 mos) - Trent Housing team - provides residence in the Champlain Annex (8 mos) - Food Services - donates a meal plan for the FW academic term (8 mos) - Trent Students through ancillary fee - with a donation of just 3/term Trent students support the WUSC local committee to support the upper year students in the program. | Launched in 1983. Resettlement and education, financial support, social and academic support, and leadership and advocacy. | Read more here. |
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56 | Universite Laval | 1 | WUSC The Student Refugee Program | The SRP at Université Laval is part of the larger WUSC initiative, which began in 1978. The specific start date for Université Laval's involvement is not detailed, but the program has been ongoing for several years. The SRP provides comprehensive support, including financial aid, housing, tuition, and social integration services for one year. After this initial year, students can access additional support mechanisms provided by the university and local community. The local student committees at Université Laval are also crucial in the program, organizing fundraising and providing day-to-day support to the refugee students. The number of refugee student sponsored annually is unknown. The data is taken from the official national website of WUSC-SRP program. The university's website can not be located. | Launch/end dates unknown. Resettlement and education, financial support, social and academic support, and leadership and advocacy. | Read more here. |
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58 | Universite Du Quebec a Montreal | 1 | WUSC The Student Refugee Program | Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) participates in the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Student Refugee Program (SRP). This program offers a unique combination of refugee resettlement and access to higher education for young refugees. Each year, UQAM sponsors one refugee student through the SRP, providing them with the necessary financial and social support for their first year in Canada. The data is taken from the official national website of WUSC-SRP program. The university's website can not be located. | Launch/end dates unknown. Resettlement and education, financial support, social and academic support, and leadership and advocacy. | Read more here. |
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60 | The University of Alberta | 1 | WUSC The Student Refugee Program | The SRP at U of A is funded through a dedicated fee unit (DFU) by the Students' Union. This funding covers tuition and living expenses for the first year of study. After the first year, support continues but at a reduced level, with additional assistance from the university and community members. There are two local student volunteer committees, one at the North Campus and one at Campus Saint-Jean. These committees play a critical role in supporting the refugee students, helping them settle in, providing academic and social support, and organizing fundraising events. The U of A sponsors one refugee student each year through the WUSC SRP. | Launch/end dates unknown. Resettlement and education, financial support, social and academic support, and leadership and advocacy. | Read more here. |
61 | 2 | The David Turpin and Suromitra Sanatani Award for Refugees and Displaced Persons | Provides financial assistance to students fleeing civil war, persecution or other life-threatening situations, through WUSC, who come directly from asylum countries in the Middle East and Africa. The program offers financial aid through the David Turpin and Suromitra Sanatani Award for Refugees and Displaced Persons, along with social and community integration support. Volunteers help newcomers settle into campus and community life, including airport pickups and social activities. | Launch date unknown. Ongoing, specific details not provided. Financial and settlement support. | Read more here. | |
62 | 3 | Emergency Support Provided To Ukrainian students | The university have expedited and simplified the application process for 2022-23. Graduate applications are prioritized similarly. The university will waive tuition fees for Ukrainian Study Permit holders facing financial hardship and provide funding to support living costs for all incoming and current Ukrainian students in need during the 2022-23 academic year. | Launched in 2022. End date unknown. Admission support. | Read more here. | |
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64 | The University of British Columbia (UBC) | 1 | Academic Advancement Grant for Afghan Scholars (collaboration between Carleton university and UBC) | The Placement, Preservation and Perseverance (PPP) project at Carleton University supports Afghan at-risk scholars, activists, and students. Funded by the IDRC, the project aims to create a sustainable, humanistic approach for resettling Afghan beneficiaries in Canada. It focuses on placement, preserving Afghan knowledge, and fostering intergenerational connections. The initiative places Afghan scholars in Canadian institutions, supports research, and builds a mentoring network to sustain academic freedom and community. | Launched in 2022, ended in 2024. Mentorship, and financial support. | Read more here. |
65 | 2 | The Borderless Higher Education for Refugees (BHER) | The Borderless Higher Education for Refugees (BHER) Initiative aims to improve education quality in refugee camps and host communities in Dadaab, Kenya by increasing access to higher education. The project involves partnerships between Canadian universities (York and UBC) and Kenyan institutions (Kenyatta, Moi, and Windle International Kenya). It provides university education programs via distance learning and has trained 590 teachers, impacting education for 18,000 children and youth. The project ran from February 2013 to July 2019. UBC specializes in delivering teacher education programs, including certificates and diplomas, both online and on-site in Dadaab. Their faculty members involved in teaching and mentoring. | Launched February 2013, ended July 2019. Academic support. | Read more here. | |
66 | 3 | MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program (MFS) | The MFS program at UBC is an initiative aimed at providing comprehensive scholarships to academically talented yet economically disadvantaged young people from Sub-Saharan Africa. Students are offered full scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, and other living expenses. Scholars receive mentorship to help them navigate their academic and personal development. Based on an article published in 2013, according to a ten-year plan UBC is to sponsor 112 students. | Launched in 2013. The program was set to run over a ten-year period, however, the program is ongoing. Resettlement and education, financial support, social and academic support, and leadership and advocacy. | Read more here. | |
67 | 4 | WUSC The Student Refugee Program | The WUSC Student Refugee Program was launched in 1978 with the first placement at Carleton University. UBC has been participating in this program for many years, contributing to the overall effort since its inception. Although the program is ongoing, sponsoring multiple students each year, the exact date of the program at UBC is not clear based on available data. However, similar to other WUSC SRPs', UBC also supports refugee students by helping them transition into university life in Canada and offering them a chance to pursue their academic goals. | Launch date unknown. Ongoing. Resettlement and education, financial support, social and academic support, and leadership and advocacy. | Read more here 1. Read more here 2. Read more here 3. | |
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69 | University of Guelph | 1 | WUSC The Student Refugee Program | The University of Guelph sponsors one refugee student each year. Tuition and housing costs are partially covered by the university. Additionally, $1.92 of every undergraduate student's tuition is allocated to support the SRP. The Guelph Local Committee helps with fundraising, awareness, and day-to-day support for the sponsored students, assisting them in adapting to life in Canada. Each year the university sponsors 1 student. | Launch date unknown. Ongoing. Resettlement and education, financial support, social and academic support, and leadership and advocacy. | Read more here. |
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71 | University of Lethbridge | 1 | WUSC The Student Refugee Program | The WUSC Student Refugee Program (SRP) at the University of Lethbridge was established through the efforts of dedicated students and faculty to sponsor refugee students for higher education. The initiative began in 2015 when students, alongside Dr. Anne Dymond, formed a local WUSC committee. The committee quickly raised the necessary funds to bring the first refugee student, Abdullah Mouslli, from Syria to the university in 2016. The program operates with support from various stakeholders, including the University administration, local businesses like Scotiabank, and community organizations like Lethbridge Family Services - Immigrant Services. These collaborations help provide housing, food, and financial support for the students. To ensure the program's sustainability, a student referendum was passed in 2017, introducing a $2 levy per semester to support one refugee student annually. Additionally, in 2019, Dr. Al Barnhill's donation helped establish a bursary to aid refugee students beyond their first year of study. | Launch date 2015. Ongoing. Resettlement and education, financial support, social and academic support, and leadership and advocacy. | Read more here. |
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73 | University of Manitoba | 1 | WUSC The Student Refugee Program | This program has enabled refugee students to pursue higher education in Canada while facilitating their resettlement. Over the years, the University of Manitoba has supported the local WUSC committee in sponsoring refugee students by providing financial and in-kind assistance such as covering tuition, residence costs, and immigration fees. In recent years, the university has increased its support, enabling the local committee to expand the number of sponsored students. Starting from 2016, the number of students sponsored annually increased from one to four, further enhancing the university’s commitment to fostering global leaders through education. | Launch date 1981. Ongoing. Resettlement and education, financial support, social and academic support, and leadership and advocacy. | Read more here. |
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75 | University of Ottawa | 1 | Pathways International Housed at The Refugee Hub at the University of Ottawa | Pathways International is an organization dedicated to expanding pathways to protection for refugees and migrants and radically reforming the global system of safe and legal routes for displaced people worldwide. The University of Ottawa Refugee Hub will continue to house the knowledge team and contribute to critical partnerships and workstreams, including the Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative (GRSI). | Launch date unknown. Ongoing. Immigration support. | Read more here. |
76 | 2 | WUSC The Student Refugee Program | The university sponsors one refugee student annually, providing tuition, housing, and living expenses. The local committee also assists with social integration and academic support. | Launch date unknown. Ongoing. Resettlement and education, financial support, social and academic support, and leadership and advocacy. | Read more here. | |
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78 | University of Toronto | 1 | The UofT Student Union & New College - WUSC The Student Refugee Program | The University of Toronto Students' Union (UTSU) sponsors a student annually through the WUSC Student Refugee Program (SRP). Since 2003, UTSU and New College have been collaborating to support refugee students, providing funds for settlement, living expenses, and academic pursuits. The program facilitates cultural and social integration, offering a home, course selection assistance, and employment opportunities. The local committee also organizes events and activities to promote awareness and support for refugee issues on campus. The program sponsors multiple refugee students annually however the exact number is unclear. | Launched in 2003. Ongoing. Resettlement and education, financial support, social and academic support, and leadership and advocacy. | Read more here. |
79 | 2 | The U of T Mississauga Refugee Pathway (UTMRP) | Offers recent refugees the opportunity to be considered for undergraduate degree studies even if they lack access to required documents. This program offers refugees who may lack traditional admission documents the opportunity to pursue undergraduate studies. It provides tailored support depending on the educational background and specific needs of each student, ensuring a smooth transition into university life. | Launch and end date unknown. Admission support. | Read more here. | |
80 | 3 | The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program (MFS) | Similar to the MFS program at UBC and McGill, besides financial support scholars at UofT are also provided with support in the areas of: Orientation sessions to facilitate a seamless transition to life in Canada. All-inclusive scholarships that cover tuition, living costs, textbooks, stipends, and transportation. Mentorship and counseling services, offering both academic guidance and social support. Community service opportunities that promote ethical leadership development. Career counseling and networking to connect Scholars with job opportunities and professional networks in their home countries. Based on an article published in 2013, according to a ten-year plan UofT is to sponsor 67 students. | Launched in 2013. The program was set to run over a ten-year period, however, the program is ongoing. Resettlement and education, financial support, social and academic support, and leadership and advocacy. | Read more here 1. Read more here 2. | |
81 | 4 | The Scholars at Risk Award Program | Supports undergraduate and graduate students through providing up to $10,000 in scholarship. The scholarship is for students who have been within the last five years, asylum-seekers or refugees anywhere in the world (regardless of status in Canada), or whose current or proposed program of study has been impacted by changing political environments in their country of current or future study, including changes in immigration law, or are studying on a temporary basis (e.g. exchange) at the University of Toronto during a time of conflict or political turmoil in the country in which they are registered. These students would have special registration status. | Launch date unknown. Ongoing. Financial aid. | Read more here. | |
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83 | University of Victoria | 1 | WUSC The Student Refugee Program | UVic sponsors refugee students each year, and the local committee offers comprehensive support including housing, financial aid, and social integration services. Each full-time undergraduate student pays $1.50 towards WUSC each semester. Exact number of students sponsored each year is unknown. | Launch date unknown. Ongoing. Resettlement and education, financial support, social and academic support, and leadership and advocacy. | Read more here. |
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85 | University of Waterloo | 1 | WUSC The Student Refugee Program | The Student Refugee Program (SRP) at United College, University of Waterloo, combines resettlement with higher education opportunities for refugee students. Supported by World University Service of Canada (WUSC), it sponsors over 130 refugee students annually across Canadian campuses, however, the exact number of students sponsored each year is unknown. The program relies on a youth-to-youth sponsorship model where students raise funds and offer day-to-day support. At University of Waterloo, all students contribute to this effort through a voluntary levy. All University of Waterloo students contribute toward this program through a voluntary levy of $4.95/term. | Launch date unknown. Ongoing. Resettlement and education, financial support, social and academic support, and leadership and advocacy. | Read more here. |
86 | 2 | David Johnston Waterloo Awards for Refugee Students | Funding is available each year to support undergraduate and graduate refugee students who are sponsored by the World University Service of Canada at Waterloo (WUSC) or any other students who are recognized by the Canadian government as being refugees or protected persons. | Launch date unknown. Ongoing. Financial support. | Read more here. | |
87 | 3 | Ontario-Ukraine Solidarity Scholarship | For Ukrainian students abroad. The purpose of this funding is to provide support to undergraduate and graduate students directly or indirectly impacted by the Ukrainian conflict or other conflicts. Four scholarships will be awarded to students registered at Waterloo in the 2022/2023 academic year. | 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid. | Read more here. | |
88 | 4 | Waterloo's Support/Services for Ukrainian Students Directly Impacted Including Staff and Faculty Members | Waterloo employees can contact Homewood Health for a range of health and wellness services under the Employee and Family Assistance Program. Offer support in the form of supplements to existing research grants. This will provide relief and assistance to research trainees from Ukraine. Services and supports for Ukrainians arriving to the province, including an “Ontario-Ukraine Solidarity Scholarship”. | Launch and end date unknown. Scholarship. | Read more here. | |
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90 | University of Windsor | 1 | WUSC The Student Refugee Program | The Student Refugee Program (SRP) at the University of Windsor, facilitated by World University Service of Canada (WUSC), provides young refugees with the opportunity to pursue higher education in Canada while resettling.The exact number of students sponsored each year is unknown. The program fosters integration by involving refugee students in campus life and supporting their academic and social needs. | Launch date unknown. Ongoing. Resettlement and education, financial support, social and academic support, and leadership and advocacy. | Read more here. |
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92 | The University of Winnipeg | 1 | WUSC The Student Refugee Program | The World University Service of Canada (WUSC) at the University of Winnipeg, supported by the University of Winnipeg Students' Association (UWSA), focuses on sponsoring refugee students. Students contribute a small annual levy to support the local WUSC committee, which helps a refugee student come to campus, complete their degree, and become a Canadian citizen. The local committee organizes various support activities and initiatives for these students. The exact number of students sponsored each year is unknown. | Launch date unknown. Ongoing. Resettlement and education, financial support, social and academic support, and leadership and advocacy. | Read more here. |
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94 | Vancouver Island University | 1 | WUSC The Student Refugee Program | The VIU WUSC Local Committee at Vancouver Island University (VIU) is a student-led chapter of the World University Service of Canada. It sponsors two refugee students annually from East Africa and the Middle East, helping them integrate into Canadian society and academia. The committee also organizes fundraising events and raises awareness about migration issues. Founded by Global Studies students in 2008. | Launch date 2008. Ongoing. Resettlement and education, financial support, social and academic support, and leadership and advocacy. | Read more here. |
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96 | Wilfrid Laurier University | 1 | WUSC The Student Refugee Program | The Wilfrid Laurier University's WUSC Local Committee supports the Student Refugee Program (SRP). This student-led committee welcomes refugee students, assists with their housing, and provides social and academic support. The committee also organizes fundraising and awareness campaigns on global issues such as women's empowerment and refugee education. The committee operates on both the Waterloo and Brantford campuses, offering rewarding volunteer opportunities to students. The exact number of students sponsored each year is unknown. | Launch date unknown. Ongoing. Resettlement and education, financial support, social and academic support, and leadership and advocacy. | Read more here. |
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98 | York University | 1 | WUSC The Student Refugee Program | The WUSC Refugee Sponsorship at York University involves two local committees on the Glendon and Keele campuses. York expanded its support starting in 2016, sponsoring up to five refugees annually, including graduate students, with four-year tuition waivers, first-year residence fees, and meal plans. The program also provides work-study positions and additional settlement support. Since 1987, York and its students have sponsored 25 refugees from various countries. | Launch date 1987. Ongoing. Resettlement and education, financial support, social and academic support, and leadership and advocacy. | Read more here. |
99 | 2 | CRS Bursary for Refugee Students | Provides financial support to refugee students and those without status in Canada, offering at least one bursary per year valued at $1,500. | Launch and end date unknown. Financial aid. | Read more here. | |
100 | 3 | Borderless Higher Education for Refugees (BHER) | The Borderless Higher Education for Refugees (BHER) Initiative aims to improve education quality in refugee camps and host communities in Dadaab, Kenya by increasing access to higher education. The project involves partnerships between Canadian universities (York and UBC) and Kenyan institutions (Kenyatta, Moi, and Windle International Kenya). It provides university education programs via distance learning and has trained 590 teachers, impacting education for 18,000 children and youth. The project ran from February 2013 to July 2019. | Launched February 2013, ended July 2019. Academic support. | Read more here. | |