Unlocking opportunities. Transforming lives.

The lives of Afghan women have been significantly disrupted. Passage is dedicated to helping them access life-changing opportunities in Canada, along with merit-based financial assistance.

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Supporting Afghan dreams, building a future

Laying the groundwork
for lasting impact

Since coming into power, the Taliban has barred millions of Afghan women from attending secondary and post-secondary school.

Together with our partners, we want to help them access transformational educational and career opportunities.

100 Afghan women
Life-changing opportunities

Universal access to opportunities

We believe every individual deserves access to quality education and the chance to realize their dreams.

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Bridging talent
shortages

With this pilot, we also aim to tackle talent shortages in crucial sectors such as skilled trades, healthcare and STEM in Canada.

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Job openings for Healthcare
95,800*
*Statistics Canada
STEM positions to be filled
200,000+*
*C.D. Howe Institute
Apprentices in Skilled Trades
256,000*
*Government of Canada

How the program works

Here are the steps involved in the 
application process

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Intake form

Fill out the preliminary questionnaire to express interest in the program.

Passage review

Our team carefully reviews each submission, assessing your educational background, English proficiency, work experience, and other relevant factors. We may request additional information and an interview as part of the evaluation process.

Pathway placement

Provisionally-eligible applicants may be referred to the appropriate pathways.

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Letters from Afghanistan

The countless letters we’re getting directly from Afghanistan reminds us of the importance of our mission to provide life-changing educational and career opportunities for those who need them.

Day and night, I tirelessly strived to secure a place at the university and pursue my passion in the field of computer science. Finally, I was granted admission to Kabul University. Filled with hope that I could challenge the prevailing gender, religious, and ethnic inequalities plaguing our society. However, with the recent change in the system in Afghanistan, all my dreams and aspirations have been shattered, mirroring the despair experienced by millions of girls in similar circumstances. Now, confined within the walls of my home, I can only gaze upon a bleak future, accompanied by tears and sighs.

Reflecting on my past, I am compelled to redouble my efforts, to cultivate a greater sense of determination, and to strive towards emancipating myself from these oppressive chains. Furthermore, my ultimate goal is to pave the way for thousands of girls who, like me, have fallen victim to discrimination, so that their destinies may be brighter.

Why wherever we go, we face closed gates. I cannot stand by a closed gate and wait. I want to find open gates because I am tired of promised weeks and days, I am tired of this claustrophobic world for women, I'm tired of the shortened options lists for us, and I am tired of letting my dreams fade away. I want to see a bigger world, where I can choose to be a software engineer and prove that it is not useless for me, where no one can take away my right for education because of my gender, where I can prove to the ones who wanted to stop girls from growing that we will flourish in spite of all they did to us . I am determined to write my own destiny and not give up.

Start a new chapter
in Canada

We're building a world where individuals seeking refuge or facing barriers can safely migrate for education or work. Apply to kickstart your journey in Canada.

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FAQs

Some of the most frequently-asked questions we get from other 
opportunity seekers

What is the Afghan Program?

Passage’s Afghan Program is devoted to empowering Afghan women to pursue higher education at Canadian universities and colleges, or advance their careers. Our goal is to support up to 100 Afghan women. Applications for the first cohort of this merit-based program are currently open. Selection criteria will involve a multi-step process evaluating candidates based on various factors, including education/experience qualifications, English proficiency, interests, and motivation.

Who is eligible for this program?

Each pathway has its own criteria. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements. It's important to note that this program operates on a merit-based system, meaning meeting the criteria does not guarantee acceptance. Spaces are limited, and the process is highly competitive, with only the top candidates selected by Passage and its partners. Also, acceptance by Passage and its partners isn't the final step. Candidates must undergo the required immigration process, and the ultimate decision lies with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

What is a study permit?

A study permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. It's not a visa, so it doesn't grant you entry into Canada, but it must be obtained before you come to Canada to start your studies.

I am not an Afghan women, can I still apply?

Our program primarily supports Afghan women. However, you're welcome to apply. We occasionally consider exceptional candidates based on their qualifications and skills. To begin, please complete the form above. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, our team will only contact applicants who are the best fit for our programs. It's important to be clear and concise in your responses.

I have a letter of acceptance from a Canadian university and a partial scholarship. Can I apply for Passage financial support for rest of the expences?

Yes, please select 'Apply' on this page and complete the initial questionnaire. Enter the relevant information from your letter of acceptance in the designated area. We will assess your request. To begin, please complete the form above. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, our team will only contact applicants who are the best fit for our programs. It's important to be clear and concise in your responses.

I no longer live in Afghanistan. Can I still apply?

This program is accessible for Afghan women, whether displaced or currently residing in Afghanistan. However, certain restrictions may apply based on the selected pathway. To begin, please complete the form above. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, our team will only contact applicants who are the best fit for our programs. It's important to be clear and concise in your responses.

I live in Afghanistan. If I'm selected, can Passage assist me in traveling to neighboring countries for visa purposes or relocation to Canada?

No, Unfortunately passage does not have any capabilities to assist you with this matter.

Do you have a question not covered here? Contact us at afghanprogram@passage.com