UM pledging up to $1M to emergency bursaries for students impacted by extraordinary life events

The University of Manitoba has pledged up to $1,000,000 to its Emergency Bursary Fund to provide robust financial support to students in financial distress as a result of the war in Ukraine, international conflicts, environmental catastrophes and extraordinary life events.

Manitoba is home to one of the largest populations of Ukraine diaspora in Canada and we take our obligation to address this crisis seriously. We recognize that war and geopolitical events can impact our international students, and that domestic students can similarly experience emergencies that impact their finances and create unexpected need.

Students lose access to funds for various reasons, and this emergency support will help students pay for the full cost of their tuition, residence, and other living expenses as required. These funds are available to those in need right now.

The university is prioritizing funds toward this immediate need and I want to thank our university community, including our alumni and donors, who continue to step up to meet the increased demand for emergency student supports such the UM Student Food Bank.

The university is committed to ensuring we offer meaningful, targeted support to students whose lives are upended by conflict or natural disaster here or abroad. Students come to UM to pursue an education and though we cannot alleviate all of their burdens, we can offer emergency aid that will allow them to focus on their studies.

I encourage students in need to apply for this assistance here. We are here for you. If you find yourself needing additional help or assistance, these other supports are also available.

UM is grateful to have many international students and employees from Ukraine who make rich contributions to our province and university community. Our thoughts are with you, and with all your family and friends who deserve peace, liberty and good governance.

If alumni and donors wish to support students impacted by the war they can select to donate to the UM Emergency Bursary or Student Food Bank.

Sincerely,
Michael Benarroch