Refugee & Resettlement Accessibility Programs

“Education is both a human right in itself and an indispensable means of realizing other human rights.” 

- United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Rooted in our core values of democratic equality and justice, Columbia College recognizes education as a human right, and that inclusive and equitable quality education is one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to end poverty, advance peace and prosperity, and protect the planet.

According to the United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR), by the end of 2019 there were 26 million refugees and 79.5 forcible displaced people worldwide, of which 50% are children and youth under 18 years old[ref]. Escalating global conflict and unprecedented displacement are contributing to an international refugee crisis with devastating impacts on affected youth and their educational journeys. An estimated 24% of refugee youth[SL1]  will finish secondary education, and only 3% will access post-secondary education in their lifetime.

The College seeks to lower educational barriers for youth with refugee backgrounds, offering expertise in international education and a supportive, close-knit community where diverse students can thrive.  

Resettlement Bursary Program

Piloted in 2016 to increase educational access for youth displaced by the war in Syria, the College’s Resettlement Bursary Program[SL2]  continues to offer fully-funded tuition bursaries to youth with refugee backgrounds in the Metro Vancouver region. Bursaries are available for both high school (Grades 10-12) and College-level studies.

With support from the bursary program, past participants have achieved their educational dreams and beyond -- whether that be a high school diploma, Associate degree, transfer to a university like UBC or SFU, or entering the Canadian workforce with confidence.   

For information on eligibility criteria, application process, and important dates: 2025-2026 Resettlement Bursary Info Sheet

Questions can be directed to Gabrielle Flores-Santiago, Student Services Manager at gfloressantiago@columbiacollege.ca

b. World University Services Canada (WUSC)

Columbia College is proud to partner with World University Services of Canada (WUSC) and the Student Refugee Program (SRP) to support direct sponsorship and refugee resettlement programming.  

Operating in 28 countries around the world, WUSC partners with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and over 95 Canadian colleges and universities to facilitate the resettlement of 130+ refugee students in Canada per year. Partnering institutions like Columbia College provide social, academic, and financial support for a minimum of 1 year, so that sponsored students can study, work, and play in a safe and supportive environment.

The College welcomed its first WUSC students in 2019. Rawan and Aeid arrived from Jordan, home to approximately 800 000 registered refugees who have fled from conflict in Syria, Yemen, and other parts of the region. Since then, the College has sponsored two SRP students each year, whose countries of origin include [list countries]. Lively youth-to-youth mentorship and community-building activities are led by volunteers of the WUSC Local Committee.

The WUSC Local Committee welcomes student, staff, faculty, and alumni volunteers! Want to get involved? Contact Gabrielle Flores-Santiago, Student Services Manager at gfloressantiago@columbiacollege.ca