In today’s interconnected world, international students play a vital role in enriching higher education systems, building cross-cultural relationships, and shaping the future workforce. However, despite their ambition and potential, international students often face significant barriers—including credential evaluation, legal limitations, financial hardship, and systemic inequities.
The Mariam Assefa Fund, known for its focus on immigrant and refugee inclusion, is often asked:
Does the Fund support international students?
And if someone encounters technical issues while engaging with the Fund’s tools, platforms, or services—what should they do?
This comprehensive blog will explore both topics in detail, helping international students, advocacy groups, and community-based organizations better understand how the Fund operates and how to seek help if needed.
🌍 Understanding the Mariam Assefa Fund’s Mission
Before diving into student-specific support, it’s essential to understand the core mission of the Mariam Assefa Fund. The Fund is not a general scholarship or student aid provider. Instead, it focuses on long-term systemic change by:
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Supporting immigrants and refugees in achieving economic mobility
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Advocating for more inclusive and equitable workforce systems
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Investing in immigrant-led leadership and community-based organizations
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Reforming foreign credential recognition practices
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Building coalitions that uplift underrepresented voices
Its investments are strategic and issue-based, not individual-based. That means it typically funds projects and organizations, not individuals.
🎓 So, Does the Fund Provide Support for International Students?
✔️ Yes—Indirectly, Through Programs and Partnerships
While the Mariam Assefa Fund does not offer direct financial assistance, scholarships, or tuition aid to international students, it does support initiatives that impact and benefit international students, particularly those from immigrant, refugee, or marginalized backgrounds.
Here’s how the Fund supports international students indirectly:
1. Funding Programs Focused on Credential Recognition
Many international students face difficulties in having their previous education recognized in North America. The Fund has supported:
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Projects that simplify or accelerate foreign credential evaluation
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Research and advocacy efforts to improve academic equivalency frameworks
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Community-based solutions for skills-based hiring and licensure access
If you are an international student trying to validate your degree for immigration, licensure, or advanced study—you may benefit from programs supported by the Fund.
2. Supporting Organizations That Serve International and Immigrant Students
The Fund often gives grants to nonprofits and institutions that:
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Offer legal and academic guidance to international students
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Provide career services and job market navigation
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Work on inclusive admissions policies
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Advocate for equitable treatment of international learners in policy spaces
So while you may not apply directly to the Fund, you may receive services or support from one of its funded partners.
3. Backing Inclusive Higher Education Reform
Some Fund-supported projects work with colleges and universities to create more inclusive campus policies for immigrant and international students. This can include:
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Tuition equity
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Mental health access
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Anti-racism training for faculty and administrators
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Safe spaces for undocumented and refugee students
4. Leadership Development for Immigrant Youth
The Fund invests in programs that nurture immigrant and refugee leadership, some of which include international students or foreign-born learners pursuing education in North America.
If you’re an international student engaged in activism, policy work, or community development, you may find opportunities through youth or leadership fellowships funded by the Fund.
5. Collaborating on Equitable Employment Access
International students often face barriers to work, even after graduation. The Fund supports projects focused on:
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Bridging education to employment
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Addressing work visa or OPT-related issues
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Partnering with employers to promote inclusive hiring
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Connecting students to mentorship and workforce networks
These systemic efforts aim to make it easier for international students to transition into professional careers.
💡 How International Students Can Engage with the Fund’s Mission
While you may not apply for a grant as an individual, here are ways to connect with the Fund’s broader impact:
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Join organizations or student associations supported by the Fund
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Participate in advocacy efforts around credential recognition
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Connect with immigrant rights nonprofits or community groups
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Watch for fellowships or public calls co-sponsored by Fund grantees
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Attend webinars, conferences, or virtual discussions hosted by Fund-supported coalitions
🛠️ What If I Have Technical Issues While Accessing Resources?
Whether you’re using a Fund-hosted platform, applying through a partner’s website, or participating in a grant-related webinar or tool—technical issues can happen. Here’s what to do:
1. Check Your Device and Internet Connection
Before reaching out for help, ensure:
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Your internet connection is stable
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You’re using a compatible browser (Chrome or Firefox often work best)
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You’ve cleared your browser cache if the page is not loading correctly
2. Use the Contact or Support Page
If you’re engaging with a grant application or resource portal, there is usually a “Contact Support” or “Help” button. Click this to:
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Submit a ticket describing the issue
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Upload a screenshot of the error (if possible)
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Provide your full name, email, and context (e.g., application ID, event name)
3. Check for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Most platforms or initiatives linked to the Fund will offer a FAQ section with common troubleshooting solutions such as:
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Login errors
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Incomplete forms
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Timeout sessions
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File upload issues
4. Email the Host Organization Directly
If you’re attending a webinar or event hosted by a Fund grantee, reach out directly to their admin or tech support team using the contact listed on the event or registration page.
5. Be Patient and Try Again
Many technical glitches are temporary. If you can, wait a few minutes and try again, or switch to a different browser or device.
Tip: Always keep a backup of your data or application responses in case of submission errors.
🤝 FACTS Transcripts: Supporting International Students with Credential Documentation
Many international students supported by Fund-partnered initiatives need to submit academic records, transcripts, or verification documents to employers, credentialing bodies, or immigration authorities.
That’s where FACTS Transcripts becomes a vital resource.
FACTS offers:
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Secure, university-sealed academic transcripts
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Direct delivery to WES, IQAS, ICAS, CES, and other credential evaluators
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Reliable, transparent tracking of document dispatch
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Assistance with degree verification for employment or further study
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Fast turnaround for urgent documentation requests
If your Fund-supported program requires your academic documents to be evaluated or verified, FACTS Transcripts ensures you’re fully prepared.
📝 Final Thoughts: Empowerment Through Access and Inclusion
While the Mariam Assefa Fund may not directly provide tuition or grants to individual international students, it is actively reshaping the systems that govern your access to education, employment, and opportunity.
Through partnerships, advocacy, innovation, and community-centered grantmaking, the Fund ensures that immigrant and international students are not left behind.
And when it comes to documentation, credential access, and verification—FACTS Transcripts is here to ensure that your academic journey isn’t delayed by bureaucracy.
Our Services – FACTS Transcripts
We at FACTS Transcripts assist in various services, including:
- Mark Sheet Transcripts
- E-Transcripts
- Duplicate Mark Sheets & Degree Certificates
- Medium of Instructions Certificates
- Attestations
- HRD Attestation / Apostille Services
- ECA (Educational Credentials Assessment)
Trusted by leading global verification organizations, including WES, IQAS, PEBC, NDEB, NASBA, CAPR, NZQA, ICAS, NCESS, ICES, ECE, eduPASS, ACEI, GCEUS, Comparative Education Services, NNAS, NCA, SAQA, QMAS, FORAC, Australian Pharmacy Council, and more.
FACTS Transcripts – The preferred choice for university document verification worldwide. We ensure a hassle-free process for obtaining your transcripts.
