Disrupted and Displaced Scholars and Students Initiative

 

The University of Alberta affirms the fundamental right to education and scholarly pursuit in times of global crisis. The Displaced and Disrupted Scholars and Students Initiative embodies our institutional commitment to access, academic freedom and international solidarity by providing financial relief, research continuity and dedicated pathways of support for scholars and students impacted by war and conflict. 

Overarching Mission

Higher education is a vital public good, and intellectual capacity must be protected even when local institutions and communities face severe disruption. Through cross-campus coordination across faculties and administrative portfolios, the University of Alberta ensures that students and academics whose lives and studies have been uprooted can continue their education, sustain their research and enrich our broader campus community.

Our Commitment

Academic freedom and human potential know no borders. By surrounding disrupted scholars with structural support and intellectual community, the University of Alberta helps preserve global knowledge networks during times of adversity.

Core Pathways of Support

Research Continuity & Virtual Residencies: Supporting scholars' teaching and research through stipend-backed virtual residencies and visiting academic appointments.

Tuition & Financial Aid: Offering domestic tuition rates, emergency funding and dedicated bursaries to cover tuition, essential supplies and living expenses.

Settlement & Integration: Delivering pre-arrival assistance, housing guidance and campus orientation for individuals arriving in Edmonton.

Intellectual Exchange: Hosting collaborative symposia and public lectures to share knowledge and foster international dialogue.

Current Initiatives

Disrupted and Displaced Palestinian Scholars and Students (DPSS) Initiative

Directly supports Palestinian academics and students whose research, teaching, or degree programs have been disrupted by conflict in Gaza through tuition relief, bursary programs and virtual research residencies.

Disrupted Ukrainian Scholars and Students (DUSS) Initiative

Mobilizes resources to support Ukrainian scholars and students affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine through academic hosting, financial hardship grants and collaborative virtual scholar programs.