The PSSAR Program

Program Overview

The PSSAR Program supports Palestinian students facing systemic academic barriers by helping them access research-based graduate opportunities in Canada. The program operates under as a federally incorporated, apolitical, non-profit initiative, focused on academic facilitation—not direct funding.

Giving Back: Academic and Civic Engagement

The PSSAR Program is grounded in reciprocity. Beneficiaries are expected to:

Participate in mentorship and outreach activities
Support academic development in Palestinian universities
Engage in civic or community-based initiatives in both Canada and Palestine

These contributions are vital to rebuilding Palestinian education and showing gratitude to Canadian academic partners.

Long-Term Impact

By completing your studies and contributing to academic development, you:

Help strengthen Palestinian higher education institutions
Foster knowledge-sharing and institutional reinvestment
Build global academic solidarity and Palestinian leadership in research

PSSAR Beneficiary Agreement

The Agreement

All successful applicants are required to sign the official PSSAR Beneficiary Agreement. This legal document defines the nature of PSSAR’s support, the student’s responsibilities, and expectations for conduct and contribution.

Beneficiary Responsibilities

Beneficiaries must:

Communicate transparently and maintain professional conduct
Submit academic updates twice a year, including transcripts and achievements
Represent PSSAR positively and avoid unauthorized or reputationally harmful actions
Disclose all other academic offers or engagements
Promote the program within their academic circles

Community Contribution

Each beneficiary is expected to contribute meaningfully to academic and civic life in both Canada and Palestine. This includes, but is not limited to:

Participating in mentorship, outreach, or educational programming
Sharing expertise through lectures, workshops, or public engagement
Upholding the values of academic integrity, service, and equity

PSSAR

What We Provide

At its discretion and within its operational capacity, PSSAR offers:

Application mentorship and academic referrals
Professional development resources
Limited, needs-based financial aid for non-academic costs (e.g., visa fees)
Guidance through institutional and faculty partnerships

PSSAR is not an immigration consultancy and does not provide scholarships or admission guarantees.

What We Expect From You

Becoming a PSSAR beneficiary is more than receiving support—it’s about being part of a community rooted in mutual respect and shared purpose. As a beneficiary, you agree to:

Submit complete, accurate documentation and maintain clear communication
Act professionally and uphold PSSAR’s values in all academic and public contexts
Provide regular updates on your academic progress and experiences
Engage in meaningful volunteer efforts that contribute to academic and community development

We encourage all beneficiaries to give back—through mentorship, outreach, training, or community initiatives—both in Palestine and in Canada. These efforts not only support future scholars but also express gratitude to the institutions and communities that support you.

Why This Matters

Higher education is foundational to Palestinian sovereignty, resilience, and development. By supporting graduate studies abroad, we aim to:

Develop future scholars and educators
Reinvest in Palestinian universities
Strengthen Palestinian-Canadian academic partnerships
Promote education as a tool for justice and self-determination

Long-Term Reinvestment

Beneficiaries are encouraged to:

Stay connected with their home institutions
Return to teach or contribute to Palestinian academic life
Publish collaborative research or develop academic tools for future cohorts

These contributions help sustain and rebuild Palestinian universities.