U of T to accept displaced students from Ukraine with significant boost to its Scholars-at-Risk fund

Mar 18, 2022

The University of Toronto announces a $1-million matching fund for donations supporting displaced students from Ukraine along with emergency aid to current students from Ukraine who are affected by the war.

Students walk past the pillars in front of Convocation Hall. — *Photo by Diana Tyszko*

In anticipation of an influx of displaced students from Ukraine, seeking to continue their education in Canada, the University of Toronto has significantly increased its investment in the Scholars-at-Risk fund. The fund supports students whose education has been impacted by changing political environments in their country of current or future study. The University will match all donations to the Scholars-at-Risk fund, up to $1 million, from those wishing to support qualified students from Ukraine who are coming to U of T as a result of the war.

Current U of T students are also being supported during this time of need. The Emergency Grants program is available to support the urgent needs of both graduate and undergraduate students whose financial circumstances have been affected due to the war in Ukraine.

“The situation in Ukraine and needless suffering of civilians, including many students who have been forced to abandon their educational careers, requires immediate support from the global community and institutions like U of T,” says David Palmer, Vice-President, Advancement. “These bursaries will be an essential lifeline for students from Ukraine who wish to continue their studies and rebuild their lives.”

The situation in Ukraine and needless suffering of civilians, including many students, requires immediate support from the global community and institutions like U of T.

Vital aid for refugee scholars

The Scholars-at-Risk bursary was expanded in response to the Syrian crisis which highlighted the growing population of asylum-seekers worldwide. Noura Al-Jizawi came to U of T in 2017 as a Scholar-at-Risk. She was detained, arrested, and tortured for launching the Syrian uprising in her hometown of Homs. “I arrived at U of T seven months pregnant, and thanks to this program, I was able to continue my graduate work and make a new start.” She graduated from U of T’s Master of Global Affairs program in 2019.

Now, with the war in Ukraine, our focus is on those students from Ukraine who face similar dire circumstances and need urgent financial assistance to continue their education. U of T encourages anyone interested in supporting these students to give now to Scholars-at-Risk.

In a statement condemning the violence in Ukraine, U of T President Meric Gertler said: “In the face of this shocking human suffering, our thoughts turn to the many University of Toronto students, faculty, librarians, staff, alumni and friends who have personal connections to Ukraine and the wider region, and to all members of our community who have been impacted by these recent events – including members of our Russian community who oppose the war and seek a peaceful resolution.”

U of T and Ukraine’s special ties

U of T has a special connection to Ukraine, including hosting many students from Ukraine, as well as scholars and educators focused on the country and surrounding region. In 2019, the University hosted the Ukraine Reform Conference, which was attended by President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Ways to help students from Ukraine

U of T has provided $1 million in matching money to support displaced students from Ukraine.

To give now, make a secure online donation or contact Kelley Baldwin at annual.fund@utoronto.ca.

To create a scholarship to cover tuition and expenses for a student from Ukraine, or to discuss support for visiting faculty from Ukraine, please contact Glenn Best at major.gifts@utoronto.ca.

Justin Trudeau, Meric Gertler and Volodymyr Zelensky standing in front of a banner that reads: Ukraine Reform Conference.

If you are a student experiencing immediate financial hardship due to the crisis in Ukraine, please visit future.utoronto.ca for a list of resources and information on emergency grants.

Support Scholars-at-Risk today. U of T will match your gift. Your contribution will help young people fleeing conflict to continue their studies and rebuild their lives.

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