Award for Student Refugees

What you will need

• ✓ Letter from an RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant — a licensed professional authorized to provide immigration advice) in the UVic International Centre for Students confirming protected person or refugee status
• ✓ NetLink ID (to accept the offer via the UVic Online tools account)

About this award

You could receive an award worth between $500 and $2,000. As a scholarship, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are an undergraduate student with protected person or permanent residency status under one of the Refugee Application Class categories who is not currently receiving support from WUSC (the World University Service of Canada — an organization that provides support for refugee students). You must apply between February 15 and April 30. When you apply, ask University of Victoria – Student Awards & Financial Aid how and when you'll hear back – whether it is by email, phone, or through the student portal. Selection criteria aren't published – ask University of Victoria – Student Awards & Financial Aid how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask University of Victoria – Student Awards & Financial Aid during your application how the money will reach you – some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed – if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with University of Victoria – Student Awards & Financial Aid whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be an undergraduate student with protected person or permanent residency status under one of the Refugee Application Class categories. You cannot be currently supported by WUSC (the World University Service of Canada — an organization that provides support for refugee students). Note that WUSC students in their first year of study are not eligible because they are supported by other funding. You can be a full-time or part-time student, provided you are taking a minimum of 6.0 units.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Permanent resident or protected person
• ✓ Open to undergraduate students

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Ask for reference letters2 weeks

   Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.

3. 3

   Submit your application

   Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

• Immigration ProofAvoid submitting a generic letter of status. Instead, ensure your letter comes specifically from an RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant — a licensed professional authorized to provide immigration advice) at the UVic International Centre for Students. Contact the center early to arrange this document.
• SupportAvoid assuming your current funding allows you to apply. Instead, double-check your status with WUSC (the World University Service of Canada — an organization that provides support for refugee students) to confirm you aren't currently receiving overlapping support. This prevents your application from being disqualified.
• StrategyAvoid waiting until the end of April to check your documents. Instead, begin gathering your immigration confirmation in February as soon as the window opens. This gives you time to fix any errors in your paperwork.
• RealismAvoid treating this as a guaranteed fund since the number of awards varies. Instead, apply for multiple bursaries at University of Victoria – Student Awards & Financial Aid to increase your chances of coverage.

Questions students ask

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