Palestinian Students & Scholars at Risk
Empowering Palestinian Students & Scholars Through Global Academic Solidarity
Palestinian Students & Scholars at Risk
Empowering Palestinian Students & Scholars Through Global Academic Solidarity
Saving Talent. Supporting Hope. Advancing Knowledge.
At PSSAR (Palestinian Student and Scholars at Risk), we are dedicated to identifying and supporting exceptionally talented Palestinian students—those enduring the devastating impact of ongoing genocide and systemic oppression—by connecting them with fully funded graduate research opportunities worldwide. These students are not just survivors—they are future scientists, scholars, and change-makers, whose potential contributions to global knowledge must not be silenced or erased.
Uplifting Students & Scholars at Risk
PSSAR is not a financial aid organization. Instead, we operate as a strategic facilitator, helping high-achieving students—often in the top tier of their academic disciplines—access externally funded graduate programs through academic networks and institutional partners .All admissions decisions and financial awards are issued by host institutions or supervising researchers.
Bridging Crisis to Opportunity
While PSSAR does not fund academic programs directly, we offer select non-academic support to help students navigate the immense logistical and psychological barriers they face. Depending on available resources, this support may include:
- Covering key costs such as application or visa processing fees
- Facilitating access to housing, settlement services, and logistical support through partner organizations
- Providing mental health resources in collaboration with community-based service providers
Our goal is to ensure that no student is forced to abandon their academic future simply because they come from a place under siege.
Why This Mission Matters
The genocide unfolding in Palestine is not only destroying lives—it threatens to erase an entire generation of intellectual potential. Many of the students we assist have already demonstrated extraordinary promise in their fields, with the capacity to contribute to groundbreaking research and global problem-solving. PSSAR exists to preserve that future.
WHAT WE DO
WHY WE DO IT
WHY WE DO IT
PSSAR was founded to connect Palestinian students and scholars with graduate studies and research opportunities in Canada. PSSAR aims to open doors to higher education and enhance academic pursuits. PSSAR serves as an empowering bridge to enable Palestinians to pursue their aspirations.
WHY WE DO IT
WHY WE DO IT
WHY WE DO IT
The enduring war in Palestine has resulted in the destruction of universities and educational facilities, bringing academic life to a halt. This has had a devastating impact on the academic community, highlighting the urgent need for global academic support to help Palestinian students and scholars rebuild their future.
HOW WE DO IT
WHY WE DO IT
HOW WE DO IT
By utilizing a matching system integrated into a technological platform, we link students and scholars in Palestine with scholars in Canadian universities from coast to coast interested in collaborating with them. We streamline the relationship-building process and assist in the application to Canadian universities.
Academic Return, Not a Brain Drain
When a Palestinian student is supported by PSSAR:
- They receive access to world-class training and conduct research that addresses pressing issues within their communities.
- They build relationships with international scholars and institutions, helping to globalize Palestinian academic visibility.
- They return to teach, collaborate, and mentor—building up the intellectual infrastructure of their home universities.
- They co-author publications, lead community initiatives, and raise institutional profiles through international contributions tied back to their Palestinian roots.
Every successful placement is designed to generate reciprocal value—not only benefiting the individual, but also reinforcing the institutional capacity of Palestinian universities
Connecting Palestinian Students & Scholars
In response to the crisis, we are committed to connecting Palestinian students and scholars with graduate studies and research opportunities in Canada. This initiative calls educators and institutions worldwide to support these students and scholars. We believe in the transformative power of education and its ability to rebuild broken communities. We currently prioritize students and scholars from Gaza and recent graduates (less than four years) with outstanding academic records.
Support Local Efforts Through Taawon's ISNAD Program
ISNAD Program
The education system in Gaza has been devastated, affecting the dreams and futures of over 88,000 students. Despite these challenges, the ISNAD program aims to provide 30,000 scholarships to support 15,000 students as well as university staff in Gaza, enabling them to resume their studies through distance learning.
If you would like to support local efforts helping Palestinians continue their education at Gazan universities - helping both the students and universities thrive.
The State of Universities and Educational Facilities in Gaza
