Pedro Kuyumjian is one of 10 international students at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) recently recognized for exceptional academic achievement with a one-time $5,000 grant.
Kuyumjian, who studies green business management, moved to Canada from Brazil with his wife and two children.
"The scholarship helped me focus more on my studies and worry less about the bills,” he says.
In 2023, Kuyumjian enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, Green Business Management and Sustainability program at KPU. He worked in asset management in Brazil and noticed the investment market increasingly adopted environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles.
"Sustainability is such an important issue, so I thought studying green business would put me at the forefront of change," he says. "I chose KPU because of the positive things people said about the institution. I appreciate the professors and the modern and dynamic nature of the program."
In 2022, the university introduced the International Merit Scholarship to recognize and reward students’ ongoing academic excellence and contributions within the diverse KPU community. Students from all programs can receive a grant at any stage of their studies, which is automatically given to those with a high grade point average (GPA).
“KPU is a welcoming and inclusive space where all international students can succeed and grow in every way. We are dedicated to supporting and empowering our students throughout their academic journey,” says Carole St. Laurent, Associate Vice-President, International at KPU.
Since the award's launch, 70 international students have received scholarships. To be eligible, students must have a GPA of 3.8 or higher for undergraduate studies and 4.00 or higher for post-baccalaureate and graduate diploma studies. Students can apply this grant toward their tuition fees or use it for study-related expenses. Learn more about scholarships offered at KPU.