The World University Services of Canada (WUSC) is a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to improving education, employment, and empowerment opportunities for youth around the world. It was founded by a group of students in Toronto in 1929 and has since evolved into a global network encompassing international student services with more than twelve projects in twenty-five different countries.

WUSC adopted its name in 1957 as the organization continued to grow and develop. The student refugee program (SRP) is the heart of the organization and the longest standing program known in Canada. In 1978, WUSC formally launched the SRP which supported 1800 refugee students. The scope of this mission supports the core education that they need while providing them with an opportunity to work after education in a peaceful setting. The SRP is one of the only programs that combines resettlement and education allowing approximately 130 students to become permanent residents on the path to resettlement.

Along with the private donations from generous Canadians, government grants, family foundations and student groups, WUSC has partnered with 90 universities to share the responsibility to make this national program possible. There are only one percent of refugees that are able to access post-secondary education that is why it is so important that these eligible, talented students are provided with life-changing opportunities such as this.

A group of talented and dedicated students of Memorial University with the support of the Internationalization Office of MUN have united to open a local chapter for the St. John’s campus. In partnership with WUSC headquarter in Ottawa, this local committee is dedicated to rising awareness about global refugee crisis and fundraise to bring the student refugee program at MUN. Please connect with us if you are interested in learning more about the WUSC-MUN!