Emotional Turmoil Grips Iranian Students Across Canadian Campuses
As the war in Iran escalates following U.S. and Israeli strikes that began on February 28, 2026, Iranian students in Canada are grappling with profound emotional distress. The conflict, which reportedly resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has led to widespread aerial bombardments, internet blackouts, and a collapsing economy. For the more than 20,000 Iranian postsecondary students studying at universities and colleges nationwide, the distance from home amplifies their anxiety over family safety and well-being.
Many report sleepless nights, constant checking of sporadic news updates, and an inability to concentrate on lectures or research. At institutions like McGill University, University of British Columbia (UBC), and University of Toronto (U of T), classrooms have become spaces of shared grief rather than learning. This human dimension of the conflict underscores the vulnerabilities faced by international students, particularly those from conflict zones, in Canada's higher education system.
Heart-Wrenching Personal Stories from McGill University
At McGill University in Montreal, two Iranian graduate students shared harrowing accounts that capture the personal toll. Negin Ghahramani, pursuing a master's in dental sciences, depends on her parents for tuition and living expenses. She recounted a chilling message from a friend in Iran: "She woke up to the sound of bombs this morning, that they were just next to her." The brief online exchange left Ghahramani "crying the whole day," tormented by her friend's subsequent silence amid internet shutdowns.
Nasim Khosravi, a third-year PhD candidate in public oral health sciences, sold her house in Iran to fund her studies, arriving with modest savings and hopes for a brighter future. Now, she laments, "We came here with one suitcase... the door is closed, and there is a war in our country." Simple tasks feel insurmountable as worry consumes her, hindering her academic progress and part-time work.
These stories highlight how the war severs communication lines, leaving students in limbo. Friends unable to pay semester fees due to transfer delays exemplify the cascading effects on retention in Canadian graduate programs.
Classroom Disruptions at UBC and Beyond
At UBC, Professor Hessam Dehghani's Persian culture class turned chaotic as students fixated on phones, receiving fragmented updates from relatives in Tehran and other cities under bombardment. "Everyone was... either crying or very worried about parents," Dehghani observed, abandoning lessons to facilitate emotional discussions. UBC's Persian, Iranian, and Persianate studies program—one of the few outside Iran—attracts many such students, drawn by Canada's welcoming immigration policies and vibrant diaspora.
Similar scenes unfold at the University of Saskatchewan, where PhD student Mitra Sabetghadam, president of the 180-member Iranian Students Association, balances hope for regime change with fears for her northern Iran family. Communication blackouts exacerbate isolation, mirroring experiences at Western University, where students rallied in support of U.S. and Israeli actions, voicing optimism for freedom despite personal risks.
Financial Strains Amplify Academic Pressures
The Iranian rial's dramatic devaluation, coupled with internet restrictions, has crippled remittances essential for tuition and rent. Students like those at McGill report exchange services failing amid outages, rendering family support inaccessible. Pre-war, Iran's currency woes from protests had already strained budgets; the conflict has intensified this, with some facing deferred payments or withdrawal risks.
Canada's recent study permit caps have reduced new arrivals, but existing students—many in costly master's and PhD programs—bear the brunt. Over 25% of working-age Iranian-Canadians hold advanced degrees, twice the national average, yet war-induced financial instability threatens completion rates and post-graduation contributions to fields like biomedical sciences and AI.CTV News on student fears
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University Mental Health Supports Step Up
Canadian universities are mobilizing resources to aid affected students. U of T offers Farsi-speaking, trauma-informed counseling, drop-in sharing circles, and wellness sessions via its Multi-Faith Centre and Health & Wellness programs. Virtual and in-person gatherings provide tea, peer support, and academic flexibility.
- Crisis hotlines and 24/7 counseling tailored for international students.
- Safety apps for escorts and route monitoring.
- Community partnerships with groups like the Intercultural Iranian Canadian Resource Centre for yoga and stress management.
McGill and UBC echo this with professor-led discussions and referrals to external services. However, students like Sabetghadam call for more targeted aid, such as emergency bursaries, to prevent dropouts.
Prominent Role of Iranian Academics in Canada
Iranian-origin faculty, numbering around 6,000 in Canadian institutions, amplify the community's influence. At U of T, Professor Farzad Khalvati, a senior scientist in medical imaging and AI, fled Iran 25 years ago and now mentors amid personal worries—his last parental call cut short by outages. Such scholars drive research excellence, but the war revives traumas from past events like the 2020 downing of Ukraine Flight PS752, which claimed 10 University of Alberta students and faculty.
This legacy positions universities to foster resilience, integrating Iranian perspectives into global studies programs.Craft a strong academic CV for opportunities in supportive environments.
Community Rallies Reflect Mixed Emotions
Hope mingles with fear in rallies at Western University and UBC, where students celebrate potential regime downfall while mourning civilian tolls. "I just want freedom for my people," Sabetghadam declared. These gatherings build solidarity, countering isolation and channeling energy toward advocacy.
Organizations like Iranian Students Associations coordinate vigils, blending grief with calls for peace and scholarships to sustain studies.
Long-Term Implications for Higher Education
The conflict risks higher attrition among high-achieving Iranian cohorts, vital to Canada's research ecosystem. Policymakers eye extensions for study permits and financial aid, recognizing contributions in STEM and humanities. Proactive measures could model support for future geopolitical disruptions.
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Photo by Kevin Martin Jose on Unsplash
Pathways Forward: Resilience and Resources
Students urge expanded bursaries, deferred deadlines, and peer networks. Success stories, like Khosravi's determination, inspire. By leveraging Canada's inclusive system—points-based immigration favoring credentials—universities can retain this talent pool, enriching campuses long-term.
For those navigating similar challenges, resources abound: connect with associations, utilize counseling, and pursue scholarships tailored for internationals. The road ahead demands collective empathy to transform crisis into opportunity.
In summary, while fears dominate, glimmers of hope persist. Iranian students' perseverance bolsters Canada's academic mosaic, urging sustained institutional backing amid uncertainty.
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