New million dollar scholarship program created at U of R

By Everett Dorma Posted: June 11, 2015 12:00 p.m.

Ms. Darlene Sorensen, Master of Administration student at the Kenneth Levene Graduate School of Business, speaks about her international study experience. At the head table (L-R) Mr. Paul Davidson, President Universities Canada, Ms. Laura Ross, MLA and Dr. Thomas Chase, Provost and Vice-President (Academic) University of Regina. Photo courtesy of Trevor Hopkin - U of R Photography

The University of Regina and Universities Canada (formerly the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada) have established the University of Regina Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship. This will be the University’s first graduate-level study abroad program open to students in all disciplines.

From 2015 to 2018, the $1 million scholarship program will create opportunities for 40 University of Regina graduate students to study at partner universities in the Commonwealth countries of Malawi, Jamaica, Antigua and New Zealand. In addition, twelve students from those countries will have the opportunity to pursue graduate (Master’s or doctoral level) study in Regina.

Opportunities for students wishing to conduct research or undertake course- or practicum-based exchanges may also be established in other Commonwealth countries.

“The University of Regina is grateful for Universities Canada’s participation in this scholarship and enabling us to enhance support for our students, which is a key priority in our new strategic plan,” says University of Regina President and Chancellor, Dr. Vianne Timmons. “This scholarship will provide our graduate students and those from our partner universities unique opportunities to further their studies and conduct research in leading edge institutions across the Commonwealth.”

The students chosen to participate will be known as Queen Elizabeth Scholars and will be provided with full funding to complete their exchange. Incoming students will enhance the geographic and cultural diversity of Regina’s campus while outgoing students will gain a broader range of international experience.

Through this initiative, the University will expand its international presence and partnerships with countries in Africa, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific region. Further, the University of Regina’s Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship program will feature a strong emphasis on community engagement and global leadership.

Since 2009, international student enrolment has grown by more than 96 per cent to comprise 13 per cent of all students at the University of Regina. More than 1,800 students from approximately 90 countries are enrolled in credit studies while more than 350 students take part in the non-credit English as a Second Language preparatory program.

The Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships program is a joint initiative of the Rideau Hall Foundation, Community Foundations of Canada and Universities Canada. The $40 million program was created in 2014 through contributions from the Government of Canada, provincial governments (including Saskatchewan), the private sector and individuals worldwide.

For more information, visit Graduate Studies Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship web page.