World University Service of Canada (WUSC)

The following information was extracted from: https://srp.wusc.ca/about/

WUSC is a Canadian international development non-profit organization dedicated to improving education, employment and empowerment opportunities for youth, women and refugees in more than 25 countries around the world. The Student Refugee Program is the only one of its kind to combine resettlement with opportunities for higher education. Launched in 1978 with the placement of one student at Carleton University, the program has since grown to support over 150 students per year through active partnerships with over 100 Canadian university, college, and CEGEP campuses.

As an official Sponsorship Agreement Holder in Canada, WUSC has a longstanding agreement with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. This agreement enables us to bring refugee students to study in Canada as permanent residents. WUSC identifies refugee students who are in need of resettlement and grants permission to WUSC Local Committees at post-secondary institutions across Canada to sponsor in WUSC’s name."

York is one of the partner institutions and currently normally hosts 4 to 5 students per year through two WUSC local committees, one at Keele campus and one at Glendon campus, which are made up of current students, with faculty and administrative support. The WUSC SRP students have the same immigration status as Privately Sponsored Refugees (see below). At this time, applications to this program are only accepted from people living in asylum in Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon or Uganda.

Please visit the WUSC SRP information page to learn more about the program.

Resettled Refugees (Government Sponsored or Privately Sponsored)

Resettled refugees are identified as refugees in countries outside their country of citizenship and brought to Canada by the Canadian government or by sponsorship groups. Resettled refugees would be Government Assisted Refugees (GARs) if sponsored by the federal government, or Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSRs), if sponsored by community or religious organizations, or groups of Canadian citizens.

Resettled refugees normally obtain permanent residence upon arrival in Canada. With permanent residence, you can study as a domestic student in any college or university in Ontario. You should be charged domestic fees and do not need a study permit. If you arrived in Canada as a resettled refugee and received your permanent residence, the information in this section applies to you! If your permanent residence was delayed, the information still applies, but if you need additional support, you can contact the Sanctuary Scholars program coordinator: spisinfo@yorku.ca

*Note, information in this section might also apply to people who have experiences of displacement, but who arrived in Canada through a different immigration pathway and now have permanent residence.

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is an application-based government-funded financial aid program for Ontario resident students. As a permanent resident, you are eligible for OSAP. You can find more information about applying here. The money provided is to help you fund your studies - pay tuition, books and other costs, and living expenses. Based on the government's assessment of your educational costs and expected financial resources, OSAP offers a mixture of repayable loans (money to be repaid when you graduate) and grants (money you will not need to repay). When you apply for OSAP, you will automatically be considered for grants and a loan. After your application is initially approved, you can choose to decline the loan portion and accept only the grant if you want, that way you would not need to repay any money (but you would receive less money).

What if I am missing required documents?

If you are missing documents, there are still ways to apply for OSAP. Depending on the document that is missing, you may be able to fill in a form or write an affidavit to explain why the document is missing. If you have specific questions about your OSAP application, you can contact the Registrar’s Office. If you need to produce an affidavit, and you are a full-time undergraduate student, you can get free legal support through the York Federation of Students. If you need additional help applying for OSAP, you can contact the Sanctuary Scholars program coordinator: spsinifo@yorku.ca

Official transcripts are sent directly from the issuing institution in an institutionally sealed envelope (that remains unopened), carrying an official stamp, seal and/or authorizing signature of the issuing institution. Transcripts can be sent directly to the York Admissions department or to the student, who will then deliver it (UNOPENED) to the university. Official transcripts can also be sent directly from the issuing institution electronically by email to: study@yorku.ca.

If it is impossible for you to obtain your official transcripts for reasons related to your refugee experience, or other legitimate reasons, it is possible to submit an affidavit explaining why the official transcripts cannot be obtained. The affidavit should include specific reasons and any attempts that have been made to obtain official transcripts. The affidavit will need to be signed in front of a lawyer or notary. If you need help preparing the affidavit and you are a full-time undergraduate student, you can get free legal support through the York Federation of Students. If you are not a student at York yet, you can contact the Sanctuary Scholars program coordinator for help with the affidavit: spsinifo@yorku.ca.

Students who have already completed some university or college are required to submit course outline(s) for assessment of academic content, rigor and materials covered. The Office of Admissions determines the amount of transfer credit you are eligible to receive based on the following factors:

The type of institution from which you are transferring;
whether the courses you have taken are transferable (academically equivalent to York courses) or not;
the number of courses you have completed
grades achieved; and
how your previous postsecondary studies fit with the program you’ve been admitted to at York.

After the credit assessment is complete, the Office of Admissions thoroughly reviews previous course(s) for content overlap with your existing program's degree requirements. When significant overlap between courses is identified, students are granted course credit exclusion(s) and/or course waiver status. Identified courses do not need to be retaken at York and they reduce your remaining degree requirements.

You do not need a test if:

You are not required to submit proof of English proficiency (language test scores) if you have successfully completed, or are in the process of successfully completing, one of the following:

Four full years of study in English (or French) at an accredited high school in Canada or where English is the official primary language of the country, or
Four full years of study at the high-school level where English is the primary language of instruction, or
One full year of study in an accredited university degree program in English in a country where English is a primary language or where English is the official language of the institution, or
Two full years of study in English, in an accredited college diploma or applied degree program in a country where English is a primary language or where English is the official language of the institution.

Note: Time spent in ESL courses will not be counted towards meeting these requirements.

Yes, you need a test if:

You have to take an English proficiency exam if you did less than four years of high school (grade 9-12), or 2 years of college, or 1 year of university in an English-speaking system. The following tests are accepted for evidence of English proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE Academic, CAEL, CAE, CPE, Duolingo. Please consult this webpage for more information and minimum scores required.

Some programs require students to meet with an academic advisor before registering for courses. Other programs do not have that requirement, but students may still choose to contact an academic advisor within their department to help determine which courses to take in their first year, or any time throughout their degree, based on full-time vs part-time registration. It is a good idea to meet with an academic advisor!

There are many different supports set up within the university, and within the community, that can help. It is always useful to ask for help!

Student Accessibility Services provides individualized academic accommodation planning to students with learning disabilities/disorders, chronic health and mental health conditions, attention disorders (ADD or ADHD), brain injuries/concussions, physical or mobility disabilities, injuries (e.g. broken arm) and sensory disabilities or impairments (Deaf, deafened, hard of hearing, Blind, low vision, partially sighted), as well as students who are neuroatypical, neurodivergent and on the autism spectrum.

For more information, or to register for accommodations and/or support at Keele, click here at Glendon, click here

Student Counselling, Health & Well-being (SCHW) is a dynamic team of health care professionals, peer health educators, and support staff who collaborate to provide a range of health and well-being services. SCHW provides a safe and supportive space in which all students at York have equitable access to services that support their success and well-being. Students registered and enrolled at York University are eligible for services such as support groups and workshops, as well as virtual and in-person health education and counselling support at the Keele and Glendon campuses. Continuing Education students can access counselling support through keepme.SAFE.

The Writing Centre: helps to enhance your ability to produce effective academic and professional writing. They are there to support your growth and development as a writer. Come to the Writing Centre to work on your reading, writing and thinking skills.
LA&PS: https://www.yorku.ca/laps/writing-centre/
Glendon: https://www.yorku.ca/glendon/supports-and-services/welcome-to-the-glendon-writing-centre/
Bethune: https://www.yorku.ca/colleges/bethune/get-help/writing/

English as a Second Language Open Learning Centre can help you improve your English language skills. They offer support for reading, writing, speaking and writing essays in English. Their experts are ready to help you better understand your assignments, expand your vocabulary and learn English grammar.https://www.yorku.ca/laps/eslolc/

If you are still not sure who to contact, or need suggestions outside the university, you can contact the Sanctuary Scholars program coordinator: spisinfo@yorku.ca

Convention Refugees/Protected Person

If you made a refugee claim in Canada and have been determined to be a convention refugee or protected person by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB), the information in this section applies to you!

If you have a Notice of Decision from the IRB stating that you are a convention refugee or protected person, you can study as a domestic student in any college or university in Ontario. You should be charged domestic fees, but you will need a study permit. You can apply for a study permit here.

If you are being charged as an international student, you should upload your Notice of Decision using the link at the bottom of this webpage.

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is an application-based government-funded financial aid program for Ontario resident students. As a convention refugee/protected person, you are eligible for OSAP. You can find more information about applying here. The money provided is to help you fund your studies - pay tuition, books and other costs, and living expenses. Based on the government's assessment of your educational costs and expected financial resources, OSAP offers a mixture of repayable loans (money to be repaid when you graduate) and grants (money you will not need to repay). When you apply for OSAP, you will automatically be considered for grants and a loan. After your application is initially approved, you can choose to decline the loan portion and accept only the grant if you want, that way you would not need to repay any money (but you would receive less money).

The type of institution from which you are transferring;
whether the courses you have taken are transferable (academically equivalent to York courses) or not;
the number of courses you have completed
grades achieved; and
how your previous postsecondary studies fit with the program you’ve been admitted to at York.

You do not need a test if:

You are not required to submit proof of English proficiency (language test scores) if you have successfully completed, or are in the process of successfully completing, one of the following:

Four full years of study in English (or French) at an accredited high school in Canada or where English is the official primary language of the country, or
Four full years of study at the high-school level where English is the primary language of instruction, or
One full year of study in an accredited university degree program in English in a country where English is a primary language or where English is the official language of the institution, or
Two full years of study in English, in an accredited college diploma or applied degree program in a country where English is a primary language or where English is the official language of the institution.

Note: Time spent in ESL courses will not be counted towards meeting these requirements.

Yes, you need a test if:

You have to take an English proficiency exam if you did less than four years of high school (grade 9-12), or 2 years of college, or 1 year of university in an English-speaking system.

The following tests are accepted for evidence of English proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE Academic, CAEL, CAE, CPE, Duolingo. Please consult this webpage for more information and minimum scores required.

There are many different supports set up within the university, and within the community, that can help. It is always useful to ask for help!

For more information, or to register for accomodations and/or support at Keele, click here
at Glendon, click here

The Writing Centre: helps to enhance your ability to produce effective academic and professional writing. They are there to support your growth and development as a writer. Come to the Writing Centre to work on your reading, writing and thinking skills.LA&PS: https://www.yorku.ca/laps/writing-centre/
Glendon: https://www.yorku.ca/glendon/supports-and-services/welcome-to-the-glendon-writing-centre/
Bethune: https://www.yorku.ca/colleges/bethune/get-help/writing/

If you are still not sure who to contact, or need suggestions outside the university, you can contact the Sanctuary Scholars program coordinator: spisinfo@yorku.ca

Sanctuary Scholars Program

In 2017 York University launched the ground-breaking Sanctuary Scholars program, becoming the first university in Canada to develop an access pathway specifically for students who hold precarious immigration status. Sanctuary Scholar students can study in most departments and programs, and they have access to a specialized bridging course to help them prepare for university. The Sanctuary Scholars program allows eligible students to access undergraduate degrees at York University at domestic fee rates instead of international rates.

For this program, the term ‘precarious immigration status’ is used to include students who are in the process of applying for permanent status in Canada through refugee claims, refugee appeals or judicial reviews, humanitarian and compassionate grounds applications, pre-removal risk assessments, or those who currently have no immigration status. Note: this program is not open to students who are currently in Canada with international student immigration status or students who are hoping to come to Canada as international students. To see if you are eligible for the program, you must contact the program coordinator: spisinfo@yorku.ca

For both streams, students must contact the program coordinator to ensure they are eligible for the Sanctuary Scholars program: spisinfo@yorku.ca.

1) Direct entry – students who have all the academic prerequisites to apply directly to the degree programs they are interested in may apply using the same applications as any other student. Students who are currently in high school should apply through the OUAC, while students who completed high school outside Ontario, or who completed high school in Ontario over two years ago, can apply through the York University application.

2) Bridging Program – students who have not completed all the necessary academic requirements to apply directly to York University, or who feel they need some upgrading and confidence building before applying, are able to take a Bridging course specifically designed for Sanctuary Scholars. The Bridging course is a one-term, non-credit Sociology course, which is free to participating students. Click here for more information about the course.

While students in the Sanctuary Scholars program pay domestic fee rates, it is important to note that students who hold precarious immigration status are not eligible for OSAP (i.e. government loans and grants) until they receive a positive decision on their refugee claim or receive permanent residence. There are also very few scholarships or bursaries available. It is important that Sanctuary Scholars consider their budget carefully when applying to York and when choosing their course load.

The type of institution from which you are transferring;
whether the courses you have taken are transferable (academically equivalent to York courses) or not;
the number of courses you have completed
grades achieved; and
how your previous postsecondary studies fit with the program you’ve been admitted to at York.

You do not need to take a test if:

You are not required to submit proof of English proficiency (language test scores) if you have successfully completed, or are in the process of successfully completing, one of the following:

Four full years of study in English (or French) at an accredited high school in Canada or where English is the official primary language of the country, or
Four full years of study at the high-school level where English is the primary language of instruction, or
One full year of study in an accredited university degree program in English in a country where English is a primary language or where English is the official language of the institution, or
Two full years of study in English, in an accredited college diploma or applied degree program in a country where English is a primary language or where English is the official language of the institution.

Note: Time spent in ESL courses will not be counted towards meeting these requirements.

Yes, you need a test if:

You have to take an English proficiency exam if you did less than four years of high school (grade 9-12), or 2 years of college, or 1 year of university in an English-speaking system.

There are many different supports set up within the university, and within the community, that can help. It is always useful to ask for help!

For more information, or to register for accomodations and/or support at Keele, click here
at Glendon, click here

The Writing Centre: helps to enhance your ability to produce effective academic and professional writing. They are there to support your growth and development as a writer. Come to the Writing Centre to work on your reading, writing and thinking skills.LA&PS: https://www.yorku.ca/laps/writing-centre/
Glendon: https://www.yorku.ca/glendon/supports-and-services/welcome-to-the-glendon-writing-centre/
Bethune: https://www.yorku.ca/colleges/bethune/get-help/writing/

English as a Second Language Open Learning can help you improve your English language skills. They offer support for reading, writing, speaking and writing essays in English. Their experts are ready to help you better understand your assignments, expand your vocabulary and learn English grammar.https://www.yorku.ca/laps/eslolc/

If you are still not sure who to contact, are concerned about your immigration status, or need suggestions outside the university, you can contact the Sanctuary Scholars program coordinator: spisinfo@yorku.ca