Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) is providing financial and other support to students displaced by violence in their home countries and has extended special considerations to Ukrainian students and alumni who are displaced after Russia's attack on their homeland.
By way of collaboration and partnership with church and humanitarian aid groups, CMU has a history of making post-secondary education available to sponsored international/refugee students. CMU is actively exploring new opportunities to assist post-secondary students coming to Canada from war-affected areas, including Ukraine.
The long-established CMU International Student Bursary Fund has been accessed by displaced students coming from multiple countries across multiple continents. Most recently, Ethiopian, Yazidi, Syrian, and Palestinian students have accessed this financial aid program, which provides up to $5,000 annually over the course of a student's studies while at CMU.
Special considerations and accommodations have been made for Ukrainian students who are applying for post-secondary studies at CMU. All application fees are waived, and unofficial transcripts are accepted for Fall 2022 and Winter 2023 registrations.
CMU currently has three Ukrainian international students and is working with local partners to facilitate the transportation and re-settlement of family members in Canada. Such supports include assistance in the location of appropriate housing, connecting with immigration/settlement support services and Ukrainian community groups, identifying schools for younger siblings, and food and clothing collection.
"CMU joins with all who denounce Russian acts of violence against Ukraine," said CMU President Cheryl Pauls. "Our university has a long history of providing financial aid to international students displaced by conflict. By way of the institution's commitments to invitational community and generous hospitality, we welcome refugees to the CMU community and will assist them in every way possible as they come to Canada."
All CMU students in need of support are encouraged to contact the Student Life Department as qualified personnel are available to provide counselling services and spiritual direction at no cost.
Those interested in supporting international students from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria, or other countries affected by violence through the CMU International Student Bursary Fund are encouraged to call 204.543.1576 or email development@cmu.ca.
