Simone de Beauvoir
PSSAR is a federally incorporated, apolitical Canadian non-profit that serves as a professional talent acquisition channel. We act as a curated bridge connecting global research laboratories with high-caliber Palestinian graduate students facing systemic disruption.
PSSAR supports academically strong Palestinian students who:
Yes. PSSAR supports high-achieving Master’s and PhD candidates, provided they are applying for thesis-based, research-stream programs. We do not support course-based, professional, or non-thesis degrees (such as MDs, Dentistry, Pharmacy, or Nursing) unless the applicant is interested in shifting to a pure research focus.
We welcome applicants from all disciplines. While most of our current placements are in STEM and Social Sciences, we also support students in Arts, Humanities, and interdisciplinary research, depending on available supervisors.
PSSAR conducts a rigorous multi-stage review of all applications, including transcript verification and English proficiency assessment.
Please note the following regarding our process:
If matched, PSSAR can assist with:
No. PSSAR is not a funding body. We do not provide living stipends or tuition directly. However, we do cover application fees for vetted candidates, and we only facilitate matches for positions that are fully funded (stipend and tuition) by the host professor or university.
It outlines expectations around academic conduct, communication standards, and the importance of maintaining integrity and professionalism throughout the application and placement process.
PSSAR acts as a curated bridge between Palestinian scholars and global academic mentors. We facilitate matches between host professors and carefully vetted Palestinian applicants for research-based graduate study. We also coordinate logistics, communication, and follow-up so professors can focus on mentorship and research.
Professors can express interest by filling this form. Once registered, we’ll match you with student profiles based on your research focus and availability. You are under no obligation to accept any candidate.
Our vetting process is rigorous, following competitive eligibility criteria designed to identify elite, ready for international research. Candidates must demonstrate:
Once a professor expresses interest in a candidate, PSSAR facilitates a streamlined, three-step coordination process:
All admissions and funding decisions are made solely by the host institution or professor. PSSAR only refers students to supervisors who can provide a guaranteed funding package through grants or departmental support.
We welcome referrals! PSSAR is expanding and looking for mentors across disciplines and institutions. If your department values international solidarity and scholarly excellence, let’s connect. Please reach out to info@pssar.ca
Yes. We also welcome:
Please reach us at info@pssar.ca if you cannot find an answer to your question.
No. PSSAR does not assist with self-funded admissions. We only facilitate connections for research positions that include a guaranteed funding package from the supervisor or university.
As a resource channel, PSSAR may occasionally facilitate:
No. PSSAR does not offer legal representation or visa processing services. All visa and residency matters remain the sole responsibility of the graduate student. However, as part of our support ecosystem, we may facilitate connections with volunteer lawyers or Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) where available to provide pro-bono guidance.
We support students and scholars in pursuing their academic objectives in Canada's official languages, French and English. Furthermore, our goal is to encourage collaboration with universities throughout Canada, including in Quebec (a French-speaking province) and elsewhere (typically English-speaking regions).
While we do not provide direct counseling, we bridge the gap by connecting graduate students to NGOs and services specializing in at-risk support. This allows students to focus entirely on their research and academic goals.
We maintain a professional network and mentorship opportunities for our graduate students throughout their tenure. PSSAR Care ensures that students are not just admitted, but are also equipped to build sustainable careers in the global scientific community.
PSSAR is a Canadian-based organization. Its administrative headquarters are based in Oakville, but it operates virtually across the Canadian territory.
Many volunteers play a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning of PSSAR. These volunteers include students from various disciplines, professionals, intellectuals, and academics from Canadian universities across the country. While the majority of PSSAR volunteers are based in Canada, some also reside in the United States and Europe. The efforts of the board and active collaborators guarantee the smooth running of PSSAR's daily operations.
PSSAR is a non-partisan and apolitical organization. Although its members may hold diverse political views and values, the organization is committed to academic solidarity and humanitarian principles. This principle is important to us.