Canadian Universities Provide Exam Deferrals and Supports for Students Affected by Middle East Conflict

Universities across Canada are providing accommodations to international students affected by the war in the Middle East, including exam deferrals and extensions on tuition payments. The supports come as the conflict continues toward the end of the academic year.

The University of Victoria has contacted students with links to Iran to offer assistance on a case-by-case basis. These supports include special bursary funding and removal of registration holds related to overdue tuition. The university is also providing flexibility to applicants facing difficulties in meeting final admissions requirements due to the war.

Queen's University is extending winter tuition and fee payments without late penalties for some students. It is also offering access to emergency bursaries and expanded counselling and mental health supports. A spokesperson for the university stated that affected students have been encouraged to reach out as they navigate the situation.

Carleton University is granting flexibility on filing admissions documents and exam deferrals for affected students. The university is reviewing requests for tuition relief. A spokesperson for McGill University reported that an email about academic accommodations and mental health resources was sent to students from Iran, Bahrain, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the UAE.

The U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28. According to the Associated Press, as of Thursday, the death toll from the war has risen to more than 1,900 in Iran and more than 1,300 in Lebanon.

Data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada indicates more than 23,000 study permit holders from Iran and about 1,800 from Lebanon in Canada as of Dec. 31, 2024. These students face challenges such as inability to contact family, transfer money, or confirm loved ones' safety due to communication disruptions.