UM expands support to scholars, students at risk due to war in Ukraine

As the invasion of Ukraine continues to endanger the lives, pursuit of education, and academic freedoms of students and researchers, the University of Manitoba is expanding supports available to those affected. This includes a commitment of up to $1.755 million to support Ukrainian undergraduate and graduate student and researchers to come to UM to continue their studies and work that has been disrupted as a result of the war. Going forward, protocols established as a result of the war in Ukraine will guide how UM responds when future geopolitical conflicts arise elsewhere in the world.

STUDENT SUPPORT

Effective immediately, UM will waive all application fees for international undergraduate and graduate students who are Ukrainian citizens and are applying to the University of Manitoba for Fall 2022.

UM has also committed to providing the following funding for students:

Undergraduate Students

• Up to ten, 4-month long research experience internships at up to $7,000 each
• Up to ten, 2-term awards of up to $36,000 each for tuition and compulsory fees, books and supplies, and optional accommodation in residence/meal plan. Wrap-around supports* provided, with UM Emergency Bursaries available for eligible living expenses if not staying in residence.

* Wrap-around supports include: academic advising, peer-to-peer matching program, career planning and related supports, work-study placement, academic learning centre programs and one-to-one tutoring, off-campus housing support if required.

Graduate Students

• Up to ten, 4-month long research experience internships of up to $7,500 each
• Up to ten, 1-year stipends of up to $25,000 each for graduate students

“Not unlike those who are pursuing a higher education around the world, students in Ukraine were striving to achieve their goals and aspirations, to support their families, and to make lasting contributions to our world,” says Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students). “It’s critical that their studies are not disrupted further by war, which is why UM is offering a safe, supportive place to continue their post-secondary education.”

RESEARCHER SUPPORT

UM has also joined the Scholars at Risk Network (SAR), an international network that protects scholars suffering grave threats to their lives, liberty and well-being by arranging temporary research and teaching positions at SAR institutions as well as by providing advisory and referral services.

In addition to joining SAR, UM is pledging the following funding for scholars from Ukraine:

Scholars

• Up to twenty, 1-year academic stipends for research and/or teaching at up to $50,000 each

“As the invasion of Ukraine persists, it’s clear that this is a global tragedy on many levels,” says Digvir Jayas, Vice-President (Research and International). “As Manitoba’s only research-intensive university, UM recognizes the threat this war poses to the pursuit of knowledge, advancement of ideas and scientific discovery. It is paramount that such work is not thwarted, and that those scholars who do this work can continue without fear for their personal safety.”

Interested students should visit the prospective student section of the Ukraine support website. Scholars from Ukraine interested in applying for funding should email umukraine [at] umanitoba [dot] ca

For further information about supports available to student and employees affected by the invasion of Ukraine, visit https://umanitoba.ca/community/ukraine-support