Scholarship Opportunities for Refugees Studying Abroad

Refugees seeking educational opportunities can take advantage of a scholarship designed to assist them in their academic pursuits in the U.S. or Canada. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, by the end of 2021, around 89.3 million individuals were forcibly displaced due to persecution, conflict, violence, or human rights abuses, which includes 27.1 million refugees. Despite having fled their home countries under challenging circumstances, many of these individuals still aspire to continue their education.

The MPOWER Refugee Scholarship specifically targets refugees who wish to further their studies. Unlike many scholarships that focus on merit or financial need, this scholarship is intended for specific groups, such as women, minorities, and veterans, as well as individuals with particular interests or talents.

Awardees of this scholarship will receive financial assistance to cover expenses related to higher education, including tuition, books, supplies, housing, food, and other necessities. To qualify for refugee status and the scholarship, individuals must have legal protections, such as the right to reside and work in their host country.

Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship:

Must be accepted or currently enrolled in a full-time degree program at a participating U.S. or Canadian institution supported by MPOWER.
Must be an international student legally permitted to study in the U.S. or Canada, qualifying through one of the following means:
Be a refugee or asylee from any country (or seeking such status).
Hold Temporary Protected Status.
Be a beneficiary of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) status.
While applicants are not required to apply for a loan through MPOWER, they have the option to do so. American and Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and individuals with other immigration statuses do not qualify for this scholarship.

Documents Required When Applying for a Study Permit in Canada:

Proof of Acceptance: An acceptance letter from your educational institution, whether it’s a school, college, or university.
Proof of Identity: A valid passport or travel document, along with two recent passport-sized photos labeled with the student’s name and date of birth on the back of each photo.
Proof of Financial Support: Evidence of funds, which may include a student loan from a bank or proof of funding from within Canada, such as a scholarship or a Canadian-funded educational program.