International Iranian Students across Canada are currently facing an unprecedented convergence of financial, emotional, and academic challenges as a result of ongoing economic instability in Iran and recent global developments. Thousands of students who came to Canada with aspirations of higher education, professional growth, and meaningful contributions to Canadian society now find themselves struggling to maintain the very foundation of their studies.

For many Iranian students, pursuing education abroad represents years of planning, sacrifice, and significant financial commitment by their families. However, the severe depreciation of the Iranian currency in recent years has drastically reduced families’ ability to support their children. Funds that were once sufficient to cover tuition and living expenses are now worth only a fraction of their previous value. This sudden loss of purchasing power has placed students in a deeply vulnerable financial position, often forcing them to choose between essential needs such as housing, food, healthcare, and tuition payments.

Compounding this issue are the ongoing banking and financial restrictions that make transferring money from Iran extremely difficult. Many families are unable to use traditional financial systems, leaving them with limited and often costly alternatives. These informal channels can involve high transaction fees and financial risk, creating further uncertainty for students who rely on these funds to continue their education.

At the same time, the cost of living in Canada has risen significantly. Increasing rental prices, higher grocery costs, transportation expenses, and mandatory health insurance fees have created additional pressure on international students. Although many Iranian students work part-time within the limits of their study permits, employment alone is rarely enough to offset these rising expenses. Balancing demanding academic workloads with extended working hours can negatively affect academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being.

Beyond financial hardship, students are also experiencing considerable emotional strain. Many remain deeply concerned about the safety and stability of their families amid ongoing uncertainty in Iran. Periodic disruptions in communication infrastructure and the rapid spread of distressing news can intensify feelings of helplessness and isolation. Being thousands of kilometers away from loved ones during times of instability creates a psychological burden that should not be underestimated.

International students are vital contributors to Canada’s academic institutions, economy, and cultural landscape. Iranian students, in particular, have established a strong record of academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. They pay significantly higher tuition fees than domestic students, support local economies through housing and consumer spending, and often remain in Canada after graduation to fill critical workforce needs. Supporting these students is not only a compassionate response—it is also aligned with Canada’s long-standing commitment to educational opportunity, diversity, and global leadership.

Given these extraordinary circumstances, we are calling on universities across Canada—alongside provincial and federal decision-makers—to take immediate, public, and measurable action to ensure Iranian international students are not forced out of their education due to conditions beyond their control. Our demands are clear:

1) TEMPORARY DOMESTIC TUITION RELIEF (EMERGENCY MEASURE)
Canadian universities must implement time-limited relief converting Iranian international tuition to domestic rates (or an equivalent reduction/credit) so students are not forced to withdraw from their programs.

2) IRANIAN STUDENT SUPPORT PACKAGE (BURSARIES + EMERGENCY AID + ACCESSIBLE SCHOLARSHIPS)
Canadian universities must establish a dedicated, fast-track support package with clear criteria and rapid decisions—including hardship bursaries, emergency aid, and accessible scholarships—designed for crisis conditions, not bureaucracy.

3) OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY-MANAGED FUNDRAISING & DISBURSEMENT CHANNEL
Canadian universities must provide an official mechanism to collect donations through the institution, issue receipts, and distribute funds directly to eligible students—no private handling, full accountability—so community support can be mobilized transparently and responsibly.

In parallel, we respectfully call upon federal and provincial authorities to consider temporary, targeted measures that would help affected students maintain their educational pathways without interruption. Potential areas of consideration may include increased access to emergency financial assistance, greater flexibility in tuition payment timelines, expanded work opportunities where appropriate, and continued collaboration with financial institutions to improve safe and transparent channels for international fund transfers.

Such measures would not constitute preferential treatment; rather, they would recognize the exceptional barriers that have arisen beyond students’ control. Canada has historically demonstrated leadership in supporting vulnerable populations during times of crisis. Extending thoughtful support to international students facing severe external constraints would reflect the country’s core values of fairness, inclusion, and humanitarian responsibility.

Education should be a pathway to opportunity—not a source of prolonged instability. No student who has demonstrated the courage and commitment to study abroad should be forced to abandon their education due to circumstances they cannot influence. By acknowledging these challenges and implementing responsive solutions, institutions and policymakers can help ensure that talented students continue to thrive and contribute to Canadian society.

We invite community members, educators, policymakers, and advocates to stand in solidarity with Iranian international students across Canada. Your support can help bring visibility to these challenges and encourage constructive dialogue toward practical solutions.

Every signature represents recognition, empathy, and a shared belief that access to education must be protected even in times of global uncertainty. Together, we can help ensure that students are supported, institutions remain strong, and Canada continues to be a destination where determination and talent are given the opportunity to succeed.

We respectfully urge Canadian universities, and federal and provincial leaders, to consider this matter with the attention and care it deserves.

Thank you for your time, awareness, and commitment to supporting students in need.

Respectfully,

The Undersigned