Canada universities offer relief measures to international students hit by Middle East conflict

Universities across Canada are offering exam deferrals, tuition extensions, and financial support to international students affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. According to a report by CBS News, several institutions have introduced case-by-case measures, including delayed fee payments and access to mental health services, as students face disruptions due to the crisis.

The offer comes as thousands of students in Canada remain connected to affected regions. As per CBS News report, data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada shows over 23,000 study permit holders from Iran and about 1,800 from Lebanon were in Canada as of December 2024.

Universities roll out academic and financial support

University of Victoria said it has contacted students with links to Iran and is offering support such as special bursary funding and removal of registration holds linked to unpaid tuition, as reported by CBS News. The university is also allowing flexibility for applicants unable to meet admission requirements due to the conflict.


Queen's University is providing extensions on winter tuition payments without late penalties, along with emergency bursaries and expanded counselling services. “Students affected have been encouraged to reach out to the university ... as they navigate the impacts of this challenging situation,” a spokesperson said, as quoted by CBS News.

Carleton University is offering flexibility in submitting admission documents and exam deferrals, while also reviewing requests for tuition relief.

McGill University has reached out to students from multiple Middle Eastern countries, informing them about academic accommodations and mental health resources.