Atlantic Canada universities ready to help Syrian refugee students

Atlantic Canadian universities are looking to help Syrian refugee students hoping to finish their degrees.

Some students, such as Tareq Hadhad, finding their programs don't transfer to the Canadian education system.

Hadhad was a year from becoming a doctor in Syria when he had to leave. He said he only recently found out he will need a Canadian undergraduate degree before applying to medical school again.

Administrators at Atlantic Canadian universities say they're trying to accommodate such students.

Dalhousie University

The Halifax school's administrators say theywill be flexible with admissions requirements because "traditional admissions processes will be difficult for many students who have left their countries under difficult circumstances."

Meanwhile, the student union and faculty association have completed fundraising, whichwas matched by the school. That money isenough to help four students with their residence and meals. Their tuition will becovered by the World University Service of Canada.

University of Prince Edward Island

The Charlottetownschool has set up a special program for Syrian students, funding the first year of study for up to 10 students unable to finish their degrees elsewhere. So far, three are participating in the program with another on the way. Faculty members review the student's educational history. That canallow up to half of thestudent's degree be from transfer credits.

Saint Mary's University

The Halifax school hasn't had any applicants from refugees so far, but administrators say they're preparing.

They say they're willing to work with potential students without proof of Grade 12 equivalency or other official documentation on a case by case basis.

Memorial University

The St. John's school's internationalizationoffice works with the local settlement organization to transfercredits and findfunding. Refugee students are considered the same as domestic students in the sense of fees, loans and provincial incentives.

University of New Brunswick

Each potential refugee student is assessed on an individual basis, with an attempt made to give them the maximum allowed transfer credits from a recognized school, the school says.

The school hasn't allocated funding for refugee students, but administrators say they'relooking into it.

They recently held a welcome event so Syrians could connect with eachother and members of the campus community.