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Aston University announced as an Official University for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will be held between 28 July and 8 August Aston University will provide ophthalmic expertise to the polyclinics The University is proud to support the mission of Birmingham 2022 to be the first Games to create a carbon neutral legacy Students have been set a challenge to develop ideas for creating a sustainable Games. Aston University has been unveiled as an Official University to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which will take place between 28 July and 8 August this year. The University’s School of Optometry will be loaning ophthalmic equipment and providing eye care expertise, supported by a network of qualified optometrist volunteers, for three polyclinics which will form the primary healthcare facilities for athletes and team officials requiring medical assessment and treatment throughout the Games period. Professor Leon Davies, professor of optometry and physiological optics at Aston University, said: “It is our aim to advance eye health in our region and society through innovative and clinically relevant education, research, and community engagement. I am looking forward to overseeing the Games’ eye care clinics throughout Birmingham 2022. “In addition to providing ophthalmic equipment during the Games, we have also brought together a cohort of volunteer optometrists, dispensing opticians and ophthalmologists from across the UK.” Dr Pam Venning, head of medical services at Birmingham 2022, said: “We are delighted to have Aston University on board as an Official University. Its School of Optometry is well-known for its innovation and world-leading education. “Birmingham 2022 wouldn’t be possible without teams of volunteers, and we are looking forward to working with the optometrists, opticians and ophthalmologists assembled by the University to support the athletes and officials attending the Games.” The University will also be supporting Birmingham 2022 in its aim to be the first Games to create a carbon neutral legacy by providing parking and hosting temporary electric vehicle charging facilities for its fleet, as well as other spaces on campus for its organising team. The director of Aston University’s Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute, Professor Patricia Thornley, said: “It is important that such a flagship event in Birmingham embodies the very best in sustainable practices, and we are working hard to support that.” Nicola Turner MBE, director of legacy and Jess Fidler, head of sustainability for Birmingham 2022 spoke to students in a special event in November setting out the work being done to create a legacy for the region, including the ambition to create a carbon neutral legacy. Birmingham 2022 has also provided this year’s business challenge for postgraduate business and management students at Aston Business School, who have been tasked with developing ideas for how the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games can create a lasting sustainability legacy for the city. The best ideas from the challenge will be reviewed by the Birmingham 2022 team and the West Midlands Combined Authority, who are taking the lead on a sustainability legacy. Saskia Loer Hansen, Interim Vice-Chancellor of Aston University, said: “At Aston University, we take an holistic approach that embeds sustainability through all our external activities at local, national and international level. “We are proud to support the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games in its aim to be the first Games to create a carbon neutral legacy.” Commonwealth Games Federation CEO, Katie Sadleir, said: “We are delighted to welcome Aston University as an Official University to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. “The University will provide vital ophthalmic expertise and equipment for athletes and team officials requiring ophthalmic assessment and treatment throughout the Games. “This is a critical service and with Aston University, we have a fantastic partner to deliver this.”

Aston University programme aimed at helping diverse businesses hailed a success

The Diverse Supply Chains ERDF programme assists diverse and minority-owned businesses to enter the supply chains of major organisations Diverse businesses are those owned and managed by women, people with limiting disabilities, people who are LGBT+, ethnic minorities and young entrepreneurs They have also had the opportunity to attend a workshop programme with access to funding. An Aston University programme aimed at helping diverse businesses has been hailed a success by the companies taking part. The Diverse Supply Chains programme supports local diverse1 businesses to enter the supply chains of major organisations through a specialised workshop programme and facilitates relationships between the businesses and large private and public sector corporate contractors. It also provides grants worth up to £2500 (match funding). The programme is being delivered in collaboration with Balfour Beatty Vinci, High Speed 2, Birmingham City Council, NatWest, The OM Group and Bournville Village Trust. To date, 98 businesses have been supported via two workshop programmes, out of which 19 have received grants of £2500. Furthermore, the programme has announced that three businesses have won a total of six bids since completing the programme. Professor Nick Theodorakopoulos, Programme Director, said: “I am delighted to see that the support we’ve been delivering to local diverse businesses has been really well received. Particularly the opportunity given to the SMEs to attend an innovative workshop programme with key industry partners; with participating businesses also having access to some funding in order to support their business tendering/supply chain activities.” Kavita Jeerh, ERDF Programme Manager at Aston Business School, said: “I am really pleased with how the programme has progressed so far. Considering we were due to launch the programme in April 2020, due to lockdown we were forced to re-assess the programme delivery and make key components of it accessible online. “This was challenging, but I am pleased to see that the two workshop programmes we have already delivered have met with remarkable success. “We are now half-way through delivering the final cohort.” Kamaljit Suman, co-founder of Art of the Heart CIC, commented: “If we hadn’t have done the Diverse Supply Chains course we would’ve gone down as a business - there’s not much doubt in my mind that that’s the case. “Since then, we have won our first contract with Birmingham City Council.”

What the Basque Country tells us about 'levelling up' | Aston Angle

What the Basque Country tells us about using local governance to level up By Dr Caroline Gray Lecturer in Politics and International Relations School of Social Science and Humanities January 2022 In a recent interview on his vision of ‘levelling up’, Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, cited the Basque Country as one example of where ‘things have been done well’. The Basque Country, an industrial region of northern Spain with a population of just over two million, is widely admired for having undergone a remarkable, industry-focused economic transformation since it was hit by the decline of heavy industry in the 1980s. It is now one of the leading regions in Europe not only in terms of GDP per capita, but also in having a low percentage of population at risk of poverty or social exclusion. Within Spain itself, critics usually attribute this to the way the Basque fiscal autonomy model works, enabling the region to keep more of its own wealth to itself than other similarly prosperous regions in Spain – a form of internal ‘levelling up’ at the expense of other regions. This, however, is not the only contributing factor to the Basque Country’s economic transformation. Effective governance has also played a key role. What takeaways from the Basque experience might be relevant to levelling up in the UK and the devolution framework needed to facilitate it? Through my research on the Basque governance systems, I’ve discovered that some of the most valuable lessons relate to how multi-level governance works within the Basque region itself and how that contributes to economic and social transformation. Devolution does not stop with the powers devolved to regional governments or authorities; the relationship between different stakeholders and layers of governance within a region or locality is equally important. If the UK government wants to learn from what the Basque Country has done well, it should consider the following: 1. Devolution beyond metropolitan areas needs to be flexible and adaptable to place-based specifics In his July 2021 Levelling Up speech, Boris Johnson announced that levelling up would involve extending devolution beyond cities with new deals for the counties. The government must stick to the commitment it made then to shape new devolution deals with local input, avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches. The Basque Country provides valuable evidence for why it’s beneficial to shape governance approaches to the economic geography of an area. As one of Spain’s 17 regions called ‘autonomous communities’, the Basque Country is, in turn, divided into provinces (Araba-Álava, Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa) and municipalities. Counties, which don’t have an administrative body, but which do house county development agencies, make up an additional level between the provinces and municipalities. The economic activity of two of the provinces (Araba-Álava and Bizkaia) is typical of metropolitan areas in that it is centred heavily on their capital cities (Vitoria and Bilbao, respectively), where the provincial councils are based. However, in the third, Gipuzkoa, economic activity is more distributed across different hubs in the province. As a result, in Gipuzkoa, the county development agencies, created in the late 1980s, have acquired a particularly important role, as interviewees from the Basque Institute of Competitiveness explained to me. The counties map particularly well onto the different industrial areas in the province, thanks to the fact that they were designed with the bottom-up input of municipal leaders working together with the provincial council. The county development agencies have, in turn, become a key channel via which the provincial council in Gipuzkoa can reach SMEs more easily, as they are closer to the firms. Such local networks are particularly important in non-metropolitan areas where economic activity can be more dispersed. This is why the UK government must make sure any new devolution framework it designs is flexible enough to allow for local input and adaptations to place-based considerations. 2. Bottom-up, collaborative dynamics are essential to the design and implementation of placed-based strategies Basque economic development has undoubtedly benefitted from the fact that the regional government draws upon input from different levels of administration and a range of other public and private stakeholders in the region when designing its industrial policies. Experiments in collaborative governance have become increasingly innovative over the years, not only at regional but also provincial and local level, designed to reach beyond the largest firms and to engage wider society. The county development agencies in Gipuzkoa, for example, used to provide services to SMEs in an essentially one-way direction – for example, advising them on how to apply policy – but have since evolved more into facilitators of networks for cooperation and mutual learning among public and private actors at county level. This not only facilitates more efficient implementation of regional policies, but also channels local feedback upwards into the policy-making process, adding value. Collaboration among different tiers of governance and different areas, rather than competition, has been the goal of such approaches. Therefore, the UK government needs to reconsider the increasingly competitive dimension of current devolution arrangements. Having areas compete against one another for centrally controlled, often short-term pots of money doesn’t facilitate the formation of robust, collaborative partnerships that could ultimately add value and increase efficiency. Finally, institutional stability is important. From the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) to the Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), which are now under review, there has been frequent chopping and changing in the institutions and policies meant to tackle the UK’s place-based inequalities in recent decades. The Basque Country shows what can be achieved with a more stable, longer-term institutional and policy framework and vision. If it is to have a meaningful impact in tackling inequalities, the Levelling Up White Paper must provide the basis for a longer-term devolution framework that goes well beyond the current government term, with a clear allocation of resources and responsibility.

Independent Director at SSE and Infinis and former CEO of E.ON UK joins Aston University as Visiting Professor

Tony Cocker is senior independent director at SSE plc and chair of Infinis Energy Management He was CEO and chair of E.ON UK from 2011 to 2017, and was also chair and non-executive director at various organisations, including Affinity Water Ltd, EIC, and the Energy & Utilities Industrial Partnership Professor Cocker will work within Aston University’s College of Business and Social Sciences focussing on energy operations, innovations and sustainability. Independent Director at SSE and Infinis and former CEO of E.ON UK has joined Aston University as a Visiting Professor within the College of Business and Social Sciences. Tony Cocker will work closely with the director of the Centre for Circular Economy and Advanced Sustainability (CEAS), Dr Luciano Batista, and the director of the Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI), Professor Patricia Thornley, to develop connections between Aston University and the energy industry over the next three years. In the next 12 months, Tony will engage with undergraduate and postgraduate students across Aston Business School and with researchers at CEAS and EBRI. He will support the development the CEAS Advisory Board, give programme specific and public talks, and participate in networking events that will appeal to a wide range of key stakeholders such as students, academics, industry, and government partners across Aston University. The potential to support Aston student placements opportunities and mentoring for students will also feature as part of Tony’s engagement. Professor Cocker will also work with colleagues at Aston Business School and EBRI to expand research connections in common areas of interest associated with energy innovations, business strategies and sustainability. Professor Cocker said: “I am excited and motivated to join Aston University as a visiting professor. I am looking forward to supporting the teaching and research agenda of the university, capitalising on the knowledge and industry connections I have built over the years in the energy sector and related industries.” Dr Luciano Batista, head of CEAS at Aston Business School, said: “I am looking forward to working with Tony. His professional experience and vast industrial connections will add considerable value to the teaching activities and research collaborations we develop across key programmes and research projects in the business school. It is a great privilege to have an experienced business leader in the faculty team at Aston Business School. This well-deserved appointment recognises the notable contribution Tony has made, and continues to make, to the industry over the years.” Professor Patricia Thornley, director of the Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI), said: “Tony brings a wealth of knowledge and experience which will be really valuable to Aston University. We already have a long list of areas where we will be working together so that our students can benefit from his expertise and I look forward to working with him to expand the relevance of our research and engagement, particularly in energy”.

Covering the rising tensions between Russia and the West? Let our expert help with your questions and coverage

Troops are amassing along both sides of the border separating Russia and Ukraine. Diplomatic efforts from leaders from across Europe are in high gear as the concerns of an invasion and potentially all-out war between Russia and Ukraine could send the region into chaos. As the world watches and both sides gather allies for support, there are a lot of questions to ask, history to explore and explanations needed about what’s going on now and why. Dr. Craig Albert, associate professor of political science and director of the Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies at program at Augusta University, sat down with ABC News to answer some of those lingering questions. Q: What is the reason for Russia’s interest in Ukraine? "If NATO allows Ukraine to become a member of NATO, which is what Putin is fearing here, he might think that they might want to go to Belarus next. Where else are they going to go? Georgia, the Republic of Georgia? Putin does not want NATO literally bordering the Russian federation. He thinks that’s a threat and would allow NATO to put missiles and missile defense in those countries, which as you know, is much more of a direct threat to Russia." Q: Maybe it comes down to the possibility of military threats. Why does the US care what’s happening way over there? "So, when you have any type of European possible land mass war, conventional war, that’s going to be a cataclysmic problem for the world. I think of the untold numbers of dead that would happen in some type of land conventional war, kinetic operations on Europe. The last time we had something like that was the wars in the former Republic of Yugoslavia in the early ’90s. That resulted in up to 300,000 to 400,000 dead in two or three years. So, we live in a globalized world, so if you have Eastern or Central Europe that gets confronted with a massive conventional war, that’s going to effect the security and the economy of the entire world including us." Q: So, is it just the US being world police again? "Each side is viewing the other as acting aggressively and I think both sides are just trying to sure up their defenses, just trying to make sure that they can handle the current situation. The United States is entering in what’s called a status quo power cycle, where the United States just wants the power of the international arena to stay where it is.” With news reports of an invasion potentially happening soon, there will be an enormous amount of coverage on this topic – and that’s where the experts from Augusta can help with your stories. Dr. Craig Albert is director of the Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies at Augusta University. He is a leading expert on war, terrorism, and American politics. This is an important national and international issue. Albert is available to speak with media – simply click on his name to arrange an interview today.

Senior lecturer at Aston University appointed as a Champion of the Microbiology Society

Dr Jonathan Cox, a senior lecturer in microbiology at Aston University, has been made a Champion of the Microbiology Society for the Midlands area, U.K. Microbiology Society Champions are members who help to raise the Society’s profile in their local area by initiating activities and events of their own or participating in Society-led events. They are appointed because of their passion for their subject matter and an enthusiasm to communicate it widely. Jonathan’s research interests surround the discovery of new antibiotics. He leads the Mycobacterial Research Group at Aston University, a multidisciplinary team spanning microbiology, biochemistry, molecular genetics, structural biology and drug discovery. The team’s main focus is to study the physiology of various pathogenic mycobacteria and to discover new ways to treat infections. He also teaches at Aston University and currently leads the teaching for first year microbiology on courses in biomedical science, biology and biochemistry, Jonathan also regularly engages with the press to comment on news stories and issues related to microbiology, infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance. He has been a full member of the Microbiology Society for 10 years and has already contributed in many ways, including hosting the Microbiology Society Roadshow at Aston University in 2021. He has also been featured in Microbiology Today discussing his research. Speaking of his appointment, Jonathan said: “Anti-microbial resistance (AMR) accounts for around 700,000 deaths per annum globally and that number is predicted to rise to 10 million by 2050. The current economic burden of AMR is estimated to be at least €1.5 billion per year in the EU. New antibiotics and an improved understanding of how to use them will help to slow the progression of AMR, saving countless lives in the future. “I am delighted to have been appointed as a Microbiology Society Champion and to use this opportunity to raise the profile of the Society and, in particular, the importance of research into AMR.”

New £2.8m MRI scanner delivered to Aston University

A landmark moment in the improvement to facilities at Aston Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment (IHN) has been reached with the arrival of its new £2.8m MRI scanner on site. A landmark moment in the improvement to facilities at Aston Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment (IHN) has been reached with the arrival of its new £2.8m MRI scanner on site. The new Siemens MAGNETOM Prisma 3T MRI scanner will enhance the world-class neuroimaging research facilities within the Institute. The old machine has already been removed from the building and internal spaces are currently being refurbished before the new scanner is lifted into the building. Researchers in the Institute use advanced neuroimaging techniques to discover biomarkers of brain health in children with neurological disease. By detecting those biomarkers, they are able to determine those who are at risk of longer term poor cognitive, behavioural and health outcomes with the goal/vision of providing early support to those children who need it most. The new scanner will also enable the Institute to provide the most recent innovations in MRI for patients visiting through the clinical service, Aston University Imaging. Patients visiting for MRI scans come through private referrals, as well as from local institutions such as the Birmingham Royal Ballet and Aston Villa football club. Professor Jackie Blissett, co-director of Aston Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment, said: “The arrival of our new MRI scanner is tremendously exciting. This state-of-the-art equipment is core to our child-focused research programme that delivers a new understanding of development and disease and the interventions that will make a difference.” Aston University Students' Union President, Balraj Purewal added: "It is great that we have a new state-of-the-art MRI scanner being installed on our campus. It will not only help our researchers in their work, but will also be of benefit to patients in the community, including young people, supporting both their diagnosis and treatment." For more information about the Aston Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment, please visit our website.

Aston Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment launches livestreamed public lecture series

The Aston Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment (IHN) are to host their first livestreamed public lecture in a new series: Molecules to Minds on Aston University’s digital channel - Aston Originals on Wednesday 16 February 2022. The livestream will see Dr Rachel Shaw present her lecture ‘Understanding and improving staff wellbeing in paediatric intensive care: A partnership between Birmingham Women’s & Children’s NHS Foundation NHS Trust & Aston University to prioritise workplace wellbeing’. Dr Shaw will present the findings of a project in which she investigated the wellbeing of staff working in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. The research was funded by Birmingham Women’s & Children’s NHS Foundation NHS Trust Paediatric Intensive Care Charities. She said: “There is a lot of evidence finding that levels of stress, burnout and symptoms of post-traumatic stress are higher among staff working in paediatric intensive care than in groups of other healthcare professionals. “The Covid-19 pandemic has only further highlighted the need to care for our healthcare staff to improve their own wellbeing, but also, so that they are able to better care for their patients.” Dr Shaw will present her findings of what wellbeing means to PICU staff, the kinds of challenges to their wellbeing they experience at work and at home, the things that hinder their wellbeing in those situations and the things that can help. The one hour livestream will include a Q&A and a roundtable discussion with clinical colleagues from Birmingham Children’s Hospital, looking at key learnings taken both professionally & personally from the project, concluding with next steps and hopes for the future. Dr Shaw added: “We plan to use staff wish lists, together with psychological evidence about what is likely to be successful, to make proposals for what might create working environments that are conducive to workforce wellbeing to create better, sustainable support for PICU staff in the future.” The live stream will take place at 16:00 – 17:00 GMT on Wednesday 16 February, you can register for the event on Eventbrite.

Scholarship opportunities for international students in Canada

Pursuing a university or college education in Canada can open many career doors, but unfortunately tuition usually doesn’t come cheap. Tuition fees alone can cost tens of thousands of dollars per year, depending on your school and program of choice. In addition, international students in Canada spend anywhere between $27,000 CAD and $64,000 CAD per year on living expenses. Luckily, there are many fully-funded scholarships available to help international students manage the costs of a post-secondary education in Canada. To get you started, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top scholarships for newcomers that can help you achieve your academic goals in 2022 and beyond. It’s important to note that the application process and deadlines for the various scholarship options vary. For scholarships that are offered by universities or colleges, you’ll usually only be able to apply after you’ve been accepted into a study program. In some cases, you may be automatically considered for scholarships based on your academic or extracurricular achievements, without having to submit a separate application. For graduate-level scholarships awarded by schools, you may also need to be recommended or selected by your department. Be sure to keep track of the scholarships you’re planning to apply for, so you don’t miss out on application deadlines. Undergraduate scholarships for international students Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships This scholarship program at the University of Toronto assists international students who’ve demonstrated significant academic potential, creativity, and leadership. Around 37 international students receive this scholarship each year. Eligibility: You must be an international student (a non-Canadian who requires a study permit), currently in your final year of secondary school or have graduated no earlier than June 2021, and begin your studies at the University of Toronto in September 2022. What it covers: Tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. Deadline to apply: January 17, 2022 Other criteria: To become a Lester B. Pearson Scholar, you must be nominated by your school and apply to undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto. For more information on the application process, visit the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships webpage. University of British Columbia International Scholars Program These scholarships are distributed based on both merit and need. UBC offers fifty scholarships each academic year, spread across four categories: the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award, the Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award, the International Impact Award, and the Vantage One Excellence Award. Eligibility: You must be an international student on a Canadian study permit entering UBC from a recognized secondary school or transferring from your first year at another college or university. You must have graduated from high school no earlier than June 2021 and be applying for your first undergraduate degree. In addition, you must demonstrate a level of financial need that would otherwise prevent you from pursuing a degree at UBC. What it covers: Awards are based on need, with the university dedicating approximately $10 million CAD a year to the fifty recipients in the program. Recipients also gain access to unique learning opportunities, annual retreats, dedicated advisors, and more. Deadline to apply: December 1, 2021 Other criteria: You only submit one application and don’t choose which award you’d like to receive. Rather, UBC will automatically consider you for all awards you’re eligible for. For more information on the application process, visit the UBC’s International Scholars Program webpage. Carleton Entrance Awards for International Students This program awards international students entering their first year of study at Carleton University with a record of high academic achievement. Eligibility: You must be admitted to Carleton with an average of 80 per cent or higher in high school, as well as meet the university’s language requirements. What it covers: Award amounts vary based on your grade average, but begin at a total of $4,000 CAD ($1,000 x four years) and go up to $16,000 CAD ($4,000 x four years) for the 2022 academic year. Deadline to apply: No separate application required. If you’ve been admitted to Carleton, you’ll automatically be considered for a scholarship. Other criteria: Scholarship value is calculated on your grade average at time of admission and won’t be recalculated based on your final marks. For more information, visit the Carleton’s Entrance Awards for International Students webpage. University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship This program awards international students beginning their studies at the University of Calgary who have a track record of stellar accomplishments inside and outside the classroom. Currently, this scholarship is awarded two students each year, based on merit. Eligibility: You must be an international student registered full-time in an undergraduate degree program at the University of Calgary that commences in the Fall 2022 term. You must be a new student and present a minimum GPA of 3.20. You also must meet the university’s English Language Proficiency requirement. What it covers: The scholarship is $15,000 CAD, renewable annually in the second, third and fourth years at the University of Calgary, provided you achieve a GPA of 2.60 or more over a minimum of 24.00 units in the previous fall and winter terms. The total award amount is $60,000 CAD. Deadline to apply: December 1, 2021. You can apply for scholarships directly through the UCalgary portal. For more information, visit the University of Calgary’s International Entrance Scholarship webpage. Humber International Entrance Scholarships This program helps new international students enrolled in Graduate Certificate, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma programs at Humber College achieve their academic goals. This scholarship is awarded to ten undergraduate and ten graduate students each year. Eligibility: You must be enrolling at Humber College directly from a recognized secondary school, be a non-transfer student, and have a minimum final admission average of 85 per cent. In addition, you’ll need a 6.5+ score in IELTS (or equivalent) to qualify. What it covers: $2,000 CAD, over the first two semesters of your study Deadline to apply: September intake: the last day of May prior to Fall semester. January intake: the last day of September prior to Winter semester. May intake: the last day of January prior to Spring/Summer semester Other criteria: Even if you receive this scholarship, you’ll still have to pay the full tuition amount up front. The scholarship amount will be credited to your account after the tenth day of classes. In order to be eligible, you’ll need to provide the following: Your Humber Student ID number Confirmed Letter of Acceptance from Humber College for full-time program commencing in the appropriate Semester Personal statement of interest, including your Grade Point Average 2 reference letters Humber College also offers Bachelor’s Degree scholarships to all meritorious international students coming directly from high school with a grade of 75 per cent and above. If you qualify, you’ll automatically be awarded the scholarship without filing a separate application. For more information, visit the Humber International Entrance Scholarships webpage. Graduate scholarships for international students University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship This program awards more than $2 million each year to full-time masters and PhD students at the University of Manitoba who have a history of academic excellence. Eligibility: All students accepted into these programs without provisions are welcome to apply, regardless of citizenship, given they have a minimum GPA of 3.0 at the time of admission. What it covers: UMGF master’s awards are valued at $14,000 CAD per year for 12 or 24 months, for up to a total of $28,000 CAD. UMGF doctoral awards are valued at $18,000 CAD per year for 12, 24, 36, or 48 months, for up to a total of $72,000 CAD. Deadline to apply: Students must be recommended by their department or unit to the Faculty of Graduate Studies for a UMGF. Consult your department for information on the application process and deadline. For more information, visit the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships webpage. Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence This scholarship recognizes international students who wish to undertake research-based Masters degree programs at the University of Waterloo. Eligibility: Applicants must be international students with a valid Canadian study permit who are registered full time. The scholarship is awarded to Masters degree students in research-based programs, and only students entering the first term of their program are eligible. Additional academic criteria will be decided upon by the faculty and you must not have any outstanding academic or probation issues. What it covers: The scholarship award is valued at $2,500 CAD per term for a maximum of five terms. Deadline to apply: You’ll be automatically considered for this scholarship with the submission of your regular application. The application deadline for most Masters programs commencing September 2022 fall within January to February 2022. For more information, visit the Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence webpage. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Leadership Scholarships This three-year scholarship program provides funding and other opportunities to twelve full-time doctoral students, and is not tied to one specific learning institution. Eligibility: Non-Canadians can be either permanent residents or foreign nationals enrolled in a doctoral program at a recognized Canadian institution. Field of study should be related to the humanities or human sciences with direct relevance to Canada’s future. You must already be accepted into years one or two of a doctoral program and expected to complete your studies by 2025. What it covers: Up to $40,000 CAD per year for three years to cover tuition and reasonable living expenses to focus on their doctoral studies and the Foundation’s leadership program. Additionally, up to $20,000 CAD per year for three years, for the learning of languages, for travel and accommodations for the Foundation’s leadership program, and for research, networking, and travel related to their doctoral research. There will also be access to opportunities to acquire greater proficiency in Canada’s official languages (French and English) as well as Indigenous languages. Deadline to apply: December 21, 2021 at 5 p.m. EST Other criteria: The selection process is a rigorous one involving multiple rounds of interviews. If successful, you’ll be expected to participate in and organize activities related to the Foundation outside your normal course of study. For more information, visit the Trudeau Leadership Scholarships webpage. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) This scholarship recognizes students enrolled in graduate studies at 19 publicly-funded Ontario universities, including the University of Toronto, University of Guelph, McMaster University, University of Ottawa, Queen’s University, Ryerson University, University of Waterloo, Western University, and York University. Each award is jointly funded by the Province of Ontario (two thirds) and the school offering the award (one third). Eligibility: International students who are studying or plan to study a full-time graduate program (master’s or doctoral level) at one of the 19 participating universities in Ontario under a valid temporary resident visa (student study permit) are eligible for OGS awards (valid study permits must be effective as of the graduate units’ OGS international application deadline). Currently registered international graduate students who have not yet been able to obtain a study permit due to COVID-19 circumstances are also temporarily eligible to apply. Applications are assessed on merit and must meet the criteria set by the participating schools. What it covers: The value of the OGS is $5,000 CAD per term. Thus, awardees may receive $10,000 CAD for two consecutive terms or $15,000 CAD for three consecutive terms. Deadline to apply: Date will be set by your graduate department or unit, who will then forward selected applications to OGS for final consideration. Other criteria: Applicants must submit an OGS application to their proposed graduate unit using their school’s centralized OGS application portal. If you’re applying to multiple participating schools, you’ll need to submit a different OGS application for each school. For more information, visit the Ontario Graduate Scholarships webpage. Where to find more information about scholarships for international students in Canada This list of scholarships is by no means comprehensive, so make sure to do your own research and see what else is out there! Start by checking if your academic institution offers any international student scholarships that you qualify for. You may also be eligible for program-specific or independent scholarships to fulfill your dream of studying in Canada. Educanada, studentawards.ca and scholarshipscanada.com are great resources to help you get started. Other ways to fund your university or college education in Canada While scholarships are a helpful tool, they’re far from the only way to fund a post-secondary education in Canada. Even if you do receive a scholarship, it may have to be supplemented with other sources. As an international student, you may be able to rely on student loans or lines of credit to fund your education in Canada. You may also qualify for student grants or bursaries that are offered by universities, colleges, and other organizations. Alternatively, many international students choose to work while studying to cover their living expenses in Canada. As an international student, studying in Canada can be expensive. However, the Canadian government and universities offer many scholarships to help international students achieve their academic goals. This resource will provide you with a starting point to research scholarship options to fund your education in Canada. Original article located here, published by Arrive. About Arrive Arrive is powered by RBC Ventures Inc, a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. In collaboration with RBC, Arrive is dedicated to helping newcomers achieve their life, career, and financial goals in Canada. An important part of establishing your financial life in Canada is finding the right partner to invest in your financial success. RBC is the largest bank in Canada* and here to be your partner in all of your financial needs. RBC supports Arrive, and with a 150-year commitment to newcomer success in Canada, RBC goes the extra mile in support and funding to ensure that the Arrive newcomer platform is FREE to all. Working with RBC, Arrive can help you get your financial life in Canada started – right now.

How to choose the best Canadian bank account as a newcomer

During your first few days as a newcomer in Canada, you will need to complete certain tasks to set the foundation for your long-term financial success. Opening a bank account and applying for a credit card should be a top priority on your list. The Canadian banking industry is large and you’ll have many options to choose from. However, newcomers to Canada have distinct financial needs and not all products will be well-suited to your requirements. Typically, you should start researching banking options in Canada several weeks before your arrival to avoid delays in the bank account opening process. This article will give you an overview of banks and banking products in Canada and some essential tips on choosing the best bank account and credit card for you. Banking options in Canada Most newcomers opt for one of the “Big Five” banks, given their size and presence across the country. By market capitalization, these include Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD), Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank), Bank of Montreal (BMO), and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC). These banks have both a physical and a digital presence. For instance, RBC has 1,201 branches and 4,240 ATMs across Canada, as well as easy-to-use online, mobile, and phone banking options. In addition to the traditional banks, Canada also has a few digital-only banks, such as Tangerine, EQ Bank, Motusbank, and Simplii Financial. These banks also offer financial products, but may not have the full range of services that larger banks offer. Types of bank accounts There are two main types of bank accounts in Canada that serve distinct purposes: Chequing account: Your chequing account is an essential basic account. This is where you keep money that you’ll use for daily transactions, making purchases, and all of your recurring expenses. Typically, with your chequing account, you’ll earn a low or no yearly interest rate on deposits. You may also get a debit card to access this account. Savings account: A savings account is a high-interest account to help you save money over the longer term. This account is not intended for regular, everyday spending transactions. It’s ideal for money that you won’t need daily access to and can set aside as savings for an emergency fund or longer-term needs. Things to keep in mind while choosing a banking partner With all the choices available to you, selecting a banking partner that’s right for your financial needs can be confusing. As this is a crucial decision to make, there are many factors you’ll need to keep in mind to ensure your bank meets your needs. Does the bank have specialized accounts or offers for newcomers or international students? Whether you’re coming to Canada as a permanent resident or an international student, your financial needs as a newcomer will be different from those of residents who’ve been here longer and don’t have financial ties abroad. Some of the larger banks, like RBC, have distinct newcomer banking products that are specially designed to meet your requirements. Does the bank have branches or ATMs near you? Also, look at the overall presence of the banking partner to determine whether you’ll have easy access to your money. You can use the branch locator on the bank’s website to find branches or ATMs close to your home or workplace. Do they have a good reputation of service and does their mission align with your interests? Be sure to check if the bank you’re choosing has a good reputation, has advisors who are able and willing to explain financial products to you, and answers your questions. As a newcomer, you want a trusted banking partner who understands your needs, so compare customer reviews and ask your friends in Canada about their experience with their banks. Also, look at awards or recognitions the banks may have received. For instance, the Global Finance magazine ranked RBC as the #1 World’s Best Bank in North America in 2021. Does the bank offer a wide range of financial products? As a newcomer, your financial needs may be limited initially, but will likely expand over the next few years. Make sure that your bank can offer you the entire range of products from banking basics like chequing accounts and credit cards to products you’ll need over a longer term like mortgages, RESPs, auto loans, and insurance. Does the bank have staff members who speak your language? Language barriers and cultural differences should not stand in the way of your financial success in Canada. If your first language is not English or French, be sure to check if the bank you’re considering has financial advisors who can answer your questions and explain financial products in a language you’re comfortable with. How to choose the right bank account for you Not all bank accounts are the same. The requirements, fees, and account features may vary based on the financial institution and the banking product you’ve picked. Here are some things you should compare to find a bank account that meets your needs: Minimum balance requirements: Some bank accounts require you to maintain a minimum daily or monthly balance. If your balance dips below this required level, you may be charged a penalty. RBC Day to Day Banking, RBC Signature No Limit, and RBC VIP Banking accounts don’t have any minimum balance requirements, allowing you to access all your money, whenever you need it. Speak to a financial advisor to find the best bank account for your needs. Banking fees: Most chequing accounts have a monthly banking fee, which can range from $0 to $30.95. In some cases, the monthly fee can be waived if you maintain a minimum balance in the account. Statement fees: Some banks charge a small monthly fee for issuing paper bank statements. In most cases, you can opt for paperless, e-statements for no charges. Cheque or draft fees: Some chequing accounts come with free personalized cheques or bank drafts. In others, a chequebook with 50 leaves can cost as much as $50 and a bank draft can cost up to $10. Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or Interac e-Transfer limits and charges: Some accounts may have limits for how many ATM withdrawals or peer-to-peer Interac e-Transfers you can make in a month. You should also check if there’s a fee for withdrawing money from another bank’s ATM or making Interac e-Transfers to an account in a different bank. International remittance fees: As a newcomer in Canada, you may want to continue financially supporting your family back home. If you’re planning to make international money transfers regularly, be sure to check the international remittance fees for the chequing accounts you’re considering. RBC offers newcomers up to two free international remittances per month for their first year with an eligible RBC bank account. Interest rates: The interest you’ll receive in savings accounts in Canada may be much less than what you’re used to in your home country. However, High Interest Savings Accounts (HISA) usually offer a higher rate of interest to help you grow your savings faster. Offers: Some bank accounts offer incentives at the time of account opening. For instance, you may receive cash incentives, higher interest rates, or free services if you open a new account and meet some qualifying criteria. As a newcomer in Canada, choosing a bank account will likely be a top priority for you. The banking system and financial products may be very different from those in your home country, so take the time to understand each product and select a bank account and credit card that best fits your needs. Remember that you are not tied down to the banking products you choose when you first arrive, so you can always upgrade to a higher tier account or credit card later. Original article located here, published by Arrive. About Arrive Arrive is powered by RBC Ventures Inc, a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. In collaboration with RBC, Arrive is dedicated to helping newcomers achieve their life, career, and financial goals in Canada. An important part of establishing your financial life in Canada is finding the right partner to invest in your financial success. RBC is the largest bank in Canada* and here to be your partner in all of your financial needs. RBC supports Arrive, and with a 150-year commitment to newcomer success in Canada, RBC goes the extra mile in support and funding to ensure that the Arrive newcomer platform is FREE to all. Working with RBC, Arrive can help you get your financial life in Canada started – right now. Learn about your banking options in Canada and be prepared.