When NBCC established a new bursary program in June 2022, the plan was bold yet simple – to support students impacted by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. For bursary recipient Dima Tsybulia, finding out he was eligible for this support from NBCC helped ease the financial burden of his Canadian dream.
“I remember getting the email in June when I was going to bed and I was over the moon,” said Dima. “I deeply appreciate this opportunity and I am infinitely grateful to each and every person who made this decision. You provided an opportunity that I could not even dream of and made my life brighter, richer, and definitely easier.”
Originally from Kremenchuk, Ukraine, Dima moved to Kyiv to attend university and secured a job in the IT sector shortly after graduation. Despite building a successful career in Kyiv, Dima knew he wanted to move to Canada, and started the process to do so in 2019. He spent many hours learning about Canadian culture, collecting books and even Canadian coins, and researching the different provinces before deciding on New Brunswick and NBCC’s Information Technology – Cybersecurity program.
Since moving to Saint John in August 2022, Dima says the Port City already feels like home.
“I absolutely love life in New Brunswick,” he said. “NBCC offers an affordable education, Canada is safe, and the people have been incredibly welcoming.”
NBCC’s Ukrainian Student Bursary provides financial support equivalent to NBCC’s International tuition to eligible incoming and returning Ukrainian students for the 2022 – 2023 academic year.
“All of us at NBCC have witnessed, with the rest of the world, the strength, determination, and courage shown by the Ukrainian people,” said Mary Butler, President and CEO of NBCC. “As part of our commitment to nurturing a sense of belonging and embracing culture and diversity, we felt it was important to find a way to support our Ukrainian students during this challenging time.”
