Refugee Engagement

The University of Alberta's engagement with refugees is multifaceted. Dozens of students from conflict-affected countries in the Middle East and Africa have received the David Turpin and Suromitra Sanatani Award for Refugees and Displaced Persons, which was established in 2015. One student annually is also supported through a fee paid by UAlberta undergraduate students to the Students’ Union. The refugee students are all selected by the World University Services of Canada (WUSC) and receive a tuition waiver, as well as an annual living allowance. University of Alberta International coordinates a volunteer program to welcome the refugee students to Canada and the university.

Through the Institute of International Education's (IIE) Scholar Rescue Fund, an program that supports visiting appointments for threatened scholars around the world, UAlberta has hosted 5 scholars in various departments. UAlberta is also a member of the Scholars at Risk Network, which protects scholars at risk by arranging temporary research and teaching positions at institutions around the world.

In 2018, the University of Alberta was recognized with the prestigious IIE Beacon Award in honour of efforts in providing a safe haven for international scholars facing threats in their home country. In 2020, UAlberta was also featured in IIE’s 100th anniversary publication, a Beacon of Hope.