On June 4, 2025, Jumpstart Refugee Talent hosted an informative “Ask Me Anything (AMA)” virtual workshop titled “Pathways to Education & Social Justice for Newcomer Refugees”. 

This workshop was designed as an open and inclusive space to help refugees overcome the barriers and challenges they may face when accessing education as newcomers in Canada. With a focus on empowerment and practical guidance, the session provided resources and actionable information, encouraging refugees to get success in education.   

Meeting Our Guest Speakers 

The session was focused on the methods of accessing education for refugee newcomers, led by Philip Ackerman, faculty member at Seneca Polytechnic and Tanya Aberman, co-founder of the Sanctuary Students Solidarity and Support (S4) Collective. The workshop started with a warm speaker to our guest speakers: Philip is an educator, advocate, and expert in trauma-informed learning. He shared insights on equity and accessed the tools needed to succeed in education in our AMA. Tanya, who is a fierce advocate for education equity, joined us to discuss how newcomer refugees can access post-secondary education and build empowered futures in Canada.  

Accessing Higher Education as a Newcomer Refugee: Barriers to Know 

Refugee newcomers in Canada face a wide range of barriers when trying to access post-secondary education, many of which are rooted in both financial and bureaucratic challenges. Tanya mentioned that one of the most significant obstacles is the cost of tuition. Individuals without permanent residency, citizenship, or convention refugee status are charged international tuition fees, which are three to four times higher than domestic tuition rates. This makes financing higher education extremely difficult. 

Documentation presents another substantial barrier. Many refugee newcomers struggle to provide official transcripts or academic records from their previous institutions, either because they had to flee their home countries quickly or because institutions back home are unwilling or unable to release these documents. Language proficiency tests, government-issued identification, and study permits also pose additional bureaucratic hurdles. These requirements are often difficult to meet, especially for people in transition or with unstable legal status. 

Philip also mentioned the systemic issues refugee newcomers often face, particularly related to misinformation and lack of support. Some resources and support programs are not easy to navigate. Additionally, some service providers and administrative staff may not fully understand the nuances of refugee status, resulting in newcomers being misdirected or wrongly denied opportunities. 

Education Access Resources and Tips 

• Sanctuary Scholars Program (Toronto Metropolitan University):  Provide support and give flexibility with documentation like transcripts and ID; Help student to get domestic tuition rates instead of international fees. 

• FCJ Refugee Centre:  Offers workshops, legal support, and referrals for education; Helps refugee newcomers navigate post-secondary options and apply for supporting programs. 

• Reach Out to School Admissions Officers: Some universities have designated equity or access officers who understand immigration status nuances. Don’t rely solely on general information or online forms. 

• Find Community-Based Support: Local newcomer or refugee settlement agencies often have education navigation support, youth programs, and workshops on applying to college or university. 

Value of Connection/Community Work/Volunteering 

Community work and volunteering are not just about giving back—they are powerful ways for refugee newcomers to stay connected with others, especially during times of instability and uncertainty. Both Philip and Tanya emphasized that being involved in the community is what keeps people grounded, informed, and supported. With the support of the community, with people who understand the struggle and stand by each other—it becomes possible and easier to get through the hardest moments. 

Tanya underlined the deep value of community by sharing her own journey: nearly every job she ever got started with volunteering. It was not just about gaining skills—it was about showing up, being seen, and building authentic relationships. Tanya also acknowledged the reality that, in Canada, networking and unpaid experience are often unspoken expectations for newcomers. While this reflects structural unfairness, volunteering remains one of the most accessible ways to get involved, build networks, and stay informed. 

Both Philip and Tanya highlighted that no one could navigate these systems alone. Community engagement is how people find each other, support each other, and stay connected to knowledge, advocacy, and hope. 

 Live Q&A 

One of the most engaging parts of the workshop was the live Q&A session. Participants with different backgrounds, immigration statuses, and personal challenges had the opportunity to ask questions relevant to their unique situations. Tanya and Philip responded with honesty and deep insight, drawing directly from their own lived experiences and frontline work.  

The Q&A created a space where participants felt seen, heard, and supported, making the session not only informative but also deeply empowering. 

Final Thoughts 

Challenges and barriers are part of the journey that many refugee newcomers will face. Navigating complex systems, finding the right resources, building meaningful connections, and staying hopeful in uncertain times can make a big difference. But you do not have to go through it alone — Jumpstart is here to support you every step of the way. 

Whether you’re trying to access education, start a career, or simply figure out your next step, one-on-one meetings at Jumpstart can help you find solutions tailored to your unique situation and field. 

Your journey matters—and we’re here to walk it with you!