The World University Service of Canada (WUSC) and the University of Ottawa are accepting applications for a unique Postdoctoral Fellowship opportunity focused on forced migration, refugee protection, and access to higher education.
The WUSC–University of Ottawa Postdoctoral Fellowship in Access to Higher Education for Displaced Students at Canadian Postsecondary Institutions offers a one-year research position for an early-career scholar whose academic work and lived experience connect with issues affecting displaced students and researchers.
This fellowship aims to centre lived experience in research, policy development, and institutional practices by supporting a scholar with firsthand experience of forced migration to investigate how higher education systems can become more accessible and inclusive for displaced populations.
The fellowship is part of the UnborderED Knowledge Research Project, funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).
Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Expected Start Date: 31 August 2026
About the Fellowship Opportunity
The WUSC–University of Ottawa Postdoctoral Fellowship supports research at the intersection of:
- Forced displacement
- Refugee protection
- Higher education access
- Student refugee programs
- Equity and inclusion
- Social sciences research
The successful fellow will work under the joint supervision of researchers from WUSC and the University of Ottawa.
The fellow will lead an independent research project examining how displaced students access higher education opportunities in Canada and how institutions develop inclusive practices to support them.
Fellowship Details
Position Title: Postdoctoral Fellowship in Access to Higher Education for Displaced Students at Canadian Postsecondary Institutions
Project: UnborderED Knowledge Research Project
Funding: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)
Supervision: Co-supervised by WUSC and University of Ottawa researchers
Research Areas:
- Forced displacement
- Social sciences
- Higher education
- Student Refugee Program
Location:
- Canada
- Remote or hybrid work arrangement available
- Ottawa, Ontario area preferred
Contract Duration: One year
Salary:
- $55,000 per year
- Benefits included
- Additional research, mobility, and knowledge mobilization funding may be available
About the UnborderED Knowledge Research Project
UnborderED Knowledge is a bilingual, interdisciplinary, and pan-Canadian research partnership focused on improving access to higher education, research opportunities, and training pathways for students and researchers with lived experience of forced migration.
The project explores how Canadian institutions can better recognize the skills, knowledge, and potential of displaced students and researchers while reducing barriers to academic and professional opportunities.
The fellowship will contribute to understanding how existing programs create equitable outcomes for displaced learners and researchers.
Research Focus of the Fellowship
The fellow will conduct research on the impact of the WUSC Student Refugee Program (SRP), one of Canada’s longest-running initiatives supporting refugee students.
The Student Refugee Program is approaching its 50th anniversary in 2028 and has supported nearly 3,000 refugee students in beginning their studies and resettling in Canada.
Through partnerships with more than 100 Canadian universities, colleges, and CEGEP campuses, the program has created pathways for displaced students to access higher education.
However, important questions remain about how these initiatives influence:
- Institutional policies
- Inclusive practices
- Student support systems
- Recruitment and retention strategies
- Educational success for displaced learners
Main Research Question
The research project will explore:
How has the Student Refugee Program contributed to expanding and institutionalizing access to higher education and inclusive practices for displaced students at Canadian postsecondary institutions?
The fellow will also investigate related questions, including:
- How does the Student Refugee Program connect with wider institutional support systems for displaced students?
- What relationship exists between the program and institutional equity, diversity, and inclusion policies?
- How does the program influence recruitment, retention, and academic success opportunities?
- What impact has the program had on students, faculty members, and university communities?
- What promising practices and challenges exist in expanding opportunities for displaced learners?
Key Responsibilities
The Postdoctoral Fellow will lead the research process from development to knowledge sharing.
Responsibilities include:
Research Design and Implementation
The fellow will:
- Refine research questions
- Develop research methodology
- Prepare research tools
- Obtain research ethics approval
- Conduct literature reviews
- Collect and analyse research data
Data Collection and Analysis
The research will involve:
- Reviewing existing documentation
- Conducting interviews
- Engaging with stakeholders
- Analysing findings
- Developing evidence-based recommendations
Research may involve virtual and in-person engagement.
Knowledge Mobilization
The fellow will create research outputs including:
- Reports
- Presentations
- Research summaries
- Strategic recommendations
- Knowledge-sharing materials
These outputs will support universities, organizations, and policymakers working with displaced students.
Expected Research Deliverables
The successful candidate will produce:
1. Inception Report
Including:
- Research methodology
- Research tools
- Research questions
- Data analysis plan
- Work schedule
2. Preliminary Research Report
Including:
- Early findings
- Research observations
- Emerging themes
3. Validation Workshop
A discussion session with key stakeholders to review findings.
4. Final Research Report
A complete report incorporating feedback from WUSC, the University of Ottawa, and research partners.
5. Dissemination Plan
A strategy for sharing research findings.
6. Research Presentation
Presentation of findings to the UnborderED consortium and relevant stakeholders.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must demonstrate:
Academic Requirements
- PhD or equivalent qualification in a relevant field, including:
- Social sciences
- Humanities
- Geography
- Education
- Related disciplines
Research Skills
Candidates should have:
- Experience conducting primary research
- Knowledge of interviews, focus groups, or surveys
- Research design skills
- Ability to analyse and communicate findings
Communication Skills
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Excellent written communication skills
- Strong oral communication skills
- Fluency in English and French
Community and Equity Research Experience
Candidates should demonstrate interest or experience in:
- Community-engaged research
- Research involving vulnerable populations
- Equity-focused approaches
- Facilitating workshops and discussions
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Cover letter explaining research experience and relevance to the project
- Curriculum vitae
- List of publications
Applications should be submitted through the official application platform.
Click here for more and to apply
About WUSC
World University Service of Canada is a Canadian global development organization focused on improving education and economic opportunities for young people.
The organization works with:
- Universities
- Students
- Governments
- Businesses
- Community organizations
- International partners
WUSC operates across multiple regions, including:
- Africa
- Asia
- Middle East
- Latin America
- Caribbean
- Canada
In Canada, WUSC has implemented the Student Refugee Program for nearly 50 years, helping refugee students access higher education opportunities and resettlement pathways.
About the University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa is a bilingual French-English research university located in Canada’s capital city.
Founded in 1848, the university serves a diverse student population and is recognized for research excellence.
The institution supports refugee-focused initiatives through:
- Student refugee sponsorship programs
- Academic protection initiatives
- Legal support programs
- Research projects focused on displacement and inclusion
Why Apply for This Fellowship?
This fellowship offers researchers an opportunity to:
- Conduct meaningful research on forced migration and education
- Centre lived experience in academic research
- Influence policies affecting displaced learners
- Collaborate with leading Canadian institutions
- Contribute to inclusive higher education systems
The WUSC–University of Ottawa Postdoctoral Fellowship provides a platform for researchers committed to creating more equitable opportunities for displaced students and communities.
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