My background and high school

My name is Julia. I’m 18 years old and originally from Ukraine. I graduated from a Ukrainian online high school in May 2024. I had actually switched to online school before the war began, so it wasn’t a result of the conflict. After the full-scale invasion started, I moved to Poland and enrolled in a Polish high school. However, I chose to graduate with my Ukrainian diploma, as finishing school in Poland would have taken two more years, until spring 2026. By that point, I already had a clear idea of where I wanted to study, so it didn’t make sense for me to stay in the Polish system any longer.

Why I chose to study abroad

I became interested in studying abroad in 2021. That year, I discovered the FLEX exchange program and applied, but I wasn’t selected. After moving to Poland in 2022, I realized I wanted to move forward and seek out more international opportunities, as I felt that staying in Poland wasn’t the right path for me, and I became more focused on applying to universities abroad.

Why I chose Canada

Canada was originally my backup plan. At first, I wanted to apply to universities in the United States. But in 2024, I was accepted into a program called Mentor Ukraine, which helps Ukrainian students apply to international universities. By that time, I had already finished school in Ukraine (May 2024), but under the Polish school system, I was still considered to be in grade 10 out of 12. Before joining Mentor Ukraine, my plan was to complete high school in Poland. However, once I was accepted into the program, I realized I needed to act quickly and start preparing for exams. I also came to understand that applying to American universities would be very difficult for me, because my English level wasn’t high enough, and I didn’t have the necessary test scores. That’s when I began exploring other countries, and Canada stood out to me because the exam requirements are more flexible.

Other countries I’ve applied to

In addition to Canada, I also applied to several universities in Europe, including some American universities based there. I applied to a few schools in the United States as well. However, Canada became my main focus because the application requirements felt easier and more manageable, especially considering my situation and the limited timeline I had.

Why Simon Fraser University

I chose Simon Fraser University because it is an excellent school with a strong reputation, especially in communication, media, and the arts. And as one of Canada’s top research universities, SFU is known for its blend of academic excellence and practical experience, as I am particularly drawn to its co-op programs, research opportunities, and creative projects. Additionally, the campus is located in British Columbia, a beautiful and diverse province, and SFU’s international community makes it a welcoming environment. I believe it’s the right place for me to grow both academically and personally.

My stats: GPA, TOEFL

My GPA is 11.2 out of 12. I took the TOEFL and scored 87, but I chose not to submit it. Instead, I submitted my Duolingo English Test, where I scored 125. While this is the minimum requirement for SFU, I believe it demonstrates that even with a minimum score, it is possible to be accepted and receive a scholarship. I’m aware that English was one of the weaker parts of my application. I started preparing a bit late, but I’m committed to improving and doing my best to catch up!

Extracurriculars and Essays

For the scholarship application, I was asked to list up to five activities.

First, I shared my volunteer work at a Ukrainian center in Kraków, where I founded a filmmaking club for children. I taught them the basics of cinema, and at the end of the project, we created a 15-minute short film together. I also helped organize events and supported the center’s daily activities.

Second, I described my experience in radio. I conducted interviews, which were mostly with Ukrainians living in Kraków, and worked as a reporter and content creator for the station’s Instagram account.

Third, I talked about my background in music. I’ve been singing since childhood and graduated from music school. I was part of a music band that produced video clips, and I’ve performed on both TV and radio. I’ve won several music competitions and also play the guitar and piano.

Fourth, I highlighted my acting experience. I worked as an actress on a children’s YouTube channel with over 2.4 million subscribers, a role I held for more than six months. I also appeared in several Ukrainian TV series and films.

Finally, I included my role in co-founding a creative art space for children before the war. In this space, kids could write original songs, compose music, and prepare performances. I helped design the outreach strategy and presented the project in various locations, which led to a significant increase in participation.

In terms of recognition, I mentioned my gold medal for academic excellence. In my scholarship essay, I focused on why I chose my field of study and explained how SFU aligns with my goals. I connected elements from my activities to demonstrate how they reflect my passions and aspirations.

Application timeline

I submitted my general application to SFU in October or November. The scholarship application was due by December 15, and afterward, I had to submit additional materials and a portfolio for my major by January 15. Overall, the full application process took a few months to complete.

The most difficult part of the application process for me was the language exams. I began preparing when my English level was still quite low, which made the process much more challenging than it needed to be. It was a tough experience, but also an important lesson about preparation and timing.

Scholarship & fees

I received the USES (Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarships) scholarship, which covers the full cost of my tuition. It’s valued at 140,000 Canadian dollars and requires a separate application from the general university application.

The scholarship application required a list of activities and awards, one main essay, and two letters of recommendation. One letter had to come from someone at your school, in my case, that was my counselor, and the other from someone who knows you through your extracurricular involvement.

My scholarship does not cover living expenses or meals, so I plan to apply for additional scholarships to help with those costs. I also intend to work on campus. One of the advantages of studying in Canada is that the work conditions for international students are much better than in the U.S. I believe that through a combination of part-time work and additional scholarships, I’ll be able to cover a significant portion of my expenses.

Application Fees

The application cost was 130 Canadian dollars. Unfortunately, Canadian universities typically don’t offer fee waivers for international students, so I had to pay the full amount myself.

Mentor & Borderless

I used Borderless to read stories from other students, which really inspired me and reminded me that nothing is impossible. Their platform also helped me review my personal statement for U.S. universities and build my college list, as I even included some schools I discovered through them. In addition, I had a mentor from the Mentor Ukraine program who supported me throughout the entire application process. She was especially helpful with writing my essay, offering feedback and guidance. Her advice helped me stay focused, motivated, and confident during a very intense and sometimes overwhelming time.

Choice of major

I’ve been involved in media and film since childhood, and over the years, I’ve come to understand that it’s not just about entertainment. It’s about telling real stories and giving a voice to people who might otherwise go unheard. I’m not entirely sure which specific path I’ll follow in the future, but choosing film as my major feels right for me at this moment. It’s something I’m genuinely passionate about.

What I would do differently

If I could do something differently, I would start improving my English much earlier. That would have made preparing for the exams and writing my essays far less stressful. I also wish I had begun researching universities sooner, so I could have felt less rushed and more confident in the choices I made.

Final advice for applicants

Don’t wait until you feel completely ready, because that moment might never come. Just start, and take it one step at a time. Use every resource you can find: mentors, free platforms like Borderless, and anything that can help you move forward. Let your actions and achievements speak for who you are, not just your essays.

Remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and trust in your story, even if it feels simple. Sometimes, what feels ordinary to you can mean a lot to someone else. And never forget to dream big, always.