Refugee & Newcomer Students Program Support
SFU International Services for Students (ISS) provides support services for SFU students who identify as refugees or newcomers through the Refugees and Newcomers Programs (RNP).
Introduction
The goal of the RNP is to mitigate or eliminate the barriers a student with a refugee background might encounter during their SFU experience to support their well-being and learning. The program also strives to create equitable access to post-secondary education for the refugee community.
Adjusting to a new country and a different learning environment can be challenging. Therefore, RNP offers a variety of services through case management and holistic approaches that include settlement support, orientation and connection to various resources within SFU, such as academic advising, health and counselling services, spiritual support, financial aid, career & volunteer services support, and other engagement and social activities that are offered within ISS.
To access our services or to learn more, please contact the Refugee & Newcomer program at: npr@sfu.ca
This program has a myriad of volunteering opportunities in peer mentorship, leadership, public engagement, and advocacy locally within SFU and internationally through WUSC national office. To learn more, please visit the links below:
SFU Student Refugee Program (SRP)
The Student Refugee Program is the only one of its kind to combine resettlement with opportunities for higher education. SFU partners with World University Services of Canada (WUSC) to directly sponsor refugee students from overseas refugee camps via the Student Refugee Program (SRP). Through this program, SFU students and SFU sponsor six undergraduate refugee students between the age (of 18-25 years) every year. The students are sponsored for books, tuition, and fees for 12 terms throughout their undergraduate program and living costs during the first six terms.
To check your eligibility and to apply, please visit here.
World University Services of Canada (WUSC)
WUSC is a Canadian non-profit organization working to create a better world for all young people. It brings together a diverse network of students, volunteers, schools, governments, and businesses who share this vision. Together, they foster youth-centred solutions for improved education, economic, and empowerment opportunities to overcome inequality and exclusion in over 15 countries worldwide.
Since 1978, SRP has empowered over 2,200 young refugees from 39 countries of origin to continue their education in safe and supportive environments in Canada since the program began. SRP supports over 150 refugee students annually through active partnerships with over 100 Canadian universities, colleges, and CEGEP campuses.
For more information about WUSC and the SRP, please visit the WUSC SRP website here.
Prospective Domestic Students with a Refugee Background
SFU understands that your academic transcript might not tell your whole story or show your full potential. We welcome applicants who meet our minimum admission requirements and have demonstrated commitment and/or excellence in other endeavours or students who have succeeded in their studies despite difficult circumstances. SFU Diverse Qualifications (DQ) Admission allows us to see beyond your academic transcript by taking more than your grades into consideration. You may consider applying through DQ if you are a domestic student with a refugee background.
The DQ considers different students' backgrounds and achievements. For more information, please check SFU - DQ.
-
Convocation Profile: Samuel Thiak, Political Science
SFU SRP student, Samuel Thiak speaks as a valedictorian learn more →