Steep international tuition fees may prevent Ukrainian teen refugee from attending university
Hanna Ushkanova dreams of becoming a medical researcher and building a life in B.C.
B.C. has become home for 18-year-old Hanna Ushkanova.
She fled war in Ukraine three years ago and was living in a refugee camp in Greece when she was connected with a Chilliwack family, who took her in as their own.
"They gave me a place, and they gave me so much love and support," said Ushaknova.
Her dream is to build a life in B.C., pursuing a career in medical research. But in the face of high international tuition fees, she is fighting to attend the University of British Columbia this fall.
Ushkanova has been accepted to study sciences at the university. She says she wants to work in the medical field, specifically doing cell research to help find cures for diseases.
Gord Robertson and Julie Veer, who Ushkanova refers to as her Canadian mom and dad, say they would like to continue supporting Ushkanova financially but are unable to afford high international tuition rates—which range from around $40,000 to $60,000 a year depending on the program.
Ushkanova's parents in Ukraine are also unable to help with tuition. She says they are struggling to make ends meet amidst the war.
According to UBC's policy, the university offers domestic tuition rates for people with refugee status. However, those who fled the war in Ukraine are not considered refugees by the Canadian government.
In 2022, the province temporarily mandated that universities offer domestic tuition rates to Ukrainian students entering under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel visa (CUAET).
But the University of British Columbia has ended that policy, noting its last intake offering domestic rates to CUAET visa holders was in September 2023.
"The war is still going. . . we are still in the same situation," said Ushkanova, "I don't think it's fair for Ukrainians."
The family says they have reached out to UBC as well as the province but haven't heard back yet.
UBC said in a statement to CBC that it is aware the federal government recently extended the deadline for Ukrainian refugees to apply for a new study permit and will review possible implications in the days ahead.
"We can certainly understand the end of the CUAET program is concerning for prospective Ukrainian students," said a statement from UBC.
"We strongly encourage any affected prospective students to research and apply for scholarships that can help them."
The B.C. Ministry of Post Secondary Education said in a statement that universities may have options for financial assistance on a case-by-case basis but did not respond to specific questions about Ushkanova's case.
Ushkanova says she knows there are other young Ukrainians completing high school in B.C. and hopes the university will make an exception for those in her position.
'This place is my home'
When the war first broke out in Ukraine, Robertson and Veer's 14-year-old daughter, Amelie, knew she wanted to do something.
"Amelie came to us and said I want to help," said Robertson. "Help them get settled in Canada, away from the war."
After doing some research, Amelie found a volunteer organization that connected her with Ushkanova, who joined the family in Canada in February 2023.
Since arriving, Ushkanova and Amelie say they have become like sisters.
And Roberson says Ushkanova has thrived in school, earning a grade average in the high 90s and participating in extracurricular activities.
There are other universities in Canada that still offer domestic tuition to Ukrainian refugees, such as the University of Alberta.
But for Ushkanova, moving would mean no support system.
"I feel like this place is my home now," she said.
Robertson said that after everything Ushkanova has been through at a young age, uprooting her life would be tough.
"If she stays in B.C., we're here to support her. We'll continue to be right by her side through everything," said Robertson.
He said moving abroad was not a choice for many young Ukrainians like Ushkanova, but a survival move.
"They're not like a regular international student who's coming from perhaps a position of wealth, so it's impossible for them," he said.
Ushkanova hopes to continue her education beyond an undergraduate degree, eventually pursuing a master's or PhD. She also wants to become a Canadian citizen.
She says she wants to be an example to other young Ukrainians, showing that they can rise above challenges and pursue their dreams.
But without guaranteed access to education close to home in the fall, she says this future remains uncertain.
"We are just trying to find a way to fit into this society and find a way to contribute to this country," said Ushkanova. "We deserve help, just like everybody else."
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