The University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada, has announced an additional investment of C$700,000 to relieve financial strains its international students are experiencing as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The investment will be used to fund three scholarships and experiential learning programs. The institution’s incremental financial support for international students in 2020 now exceeds $1.2 million.
“We know that international students have experienced difficulties as a result of the pandemic”
Returning international students will be able to apply for a needs-based scholarship of up to $2,500.
Additionally 80 international students unable to secure in-market learning experience placements due to the pandemic will be offered on-campus faculty and departmental co-op opportunities.
A further 50 positions for international students in the University’s Ignite Program – a paid, part-time, on-campus experiential learning program – will be made available.
“We know that international students have experienced difficulties as a result of the pandemic,” Chris Busch, associate vice president, Enrolment Management said.
Difficulties include getting funds out of their home countries to the loss of part-time jobs, co-op placements, and other financial pressures, he continued.
“Fortunately, our domestic students have been able to access specialised government funding to help at this difficult time, but international students do not have access to similar supports and continue to face disproportionate challenges to their financial security.”
International students were not eligible for the Canada Emergency Student Benefit, announced earlier this year, with some institutions launching their own support initiatives.
The University of Windsor has recently raised an additional $100,000 in donations following a call to action to offer more of its international students assistance.
Vancouver’s University Canada West has also announced financial relief for students required to self-isolate. Other institutions in the country have offered students similar support.
“International students bring a great deal to our campus and to our Windsor-Essex community through their knowledge, expertise, and creative activity,” said University of Windsor president and vice-chancellor Rob Gordon.
“This investment will go a long way to ensuring that our students will continue to do their best work in our labs and classrooms without some of the financial worries they have been experiencing over the past six months.
“Much of this funding supports work-study programs that provide valuable applied learning opportunities and meet on-campus needs. Both our international students and the University community benefit. We see this as an ideal solution to a considerable challenge faced by our international students.”
