“Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
The Katrina Sriranpong Bursary was created to recognize and support Canadian students who face financial challenges yet remain deeply committed to advancing human rights. Inspired by her own journey and the life-changing impact of financial assistance during her education, Katrina Sriranpong established this bursary to give others the opportunity to thrive academically and make a lasting difference in their communities.
The Katrina Sriranpong Bursary was founded in 2025 to assist students across Canada who demonstrate both financial need and a dedication to human rights. This award helps reduce financial barriers, enabling recipients to focus on their studies and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
The bursary welcomes applications from students attending eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions. Whether pursuing law, social sciences, or any other field, candidates must show a clear commitment to human rights, resilience in the face of challenges, and a desire to make the world better through advocacy.
One deserving student will receive a $1,000 bursary to help cover educational expenses for the 2026–27 school year. The award is designed to relieve some of the financial pressures of higher education, allowing recipients to focus on their goals and aspirations.
“Peace does not just mean putting an end to violence or war, but to all other factors that threaten peace, such as discrimination, such as inequality, poverty.” – Aung San Suu Kyi
Katrina Sriranpong is a refugee lawyer and dedicated philanthropist whose commitment to creating a better world for future generations is reflected in her ongoing support of charities and non-profit organizations. She contributes both her time and resources to initiatives in Canada and internationally, focusing on critical issues such as combating human trafficking, particularly involving children, and supporting refugees from conflict regions. Sriranpong believes philanthropy is accessible to everyone, whether through sharing time, skills, knowledge, or financial support.
Born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, with family roots in Thailand, Sriranpong is the proud mother of two. She enjoys traveling with her family, exploring the scenic trails of North Vancouver, and advocating for marginalized communities around the world.
“When I graduated from grade 12, I was awarded with multiple bursaries which totaled approximately $5,000. This changed my life and financially allowed me to attend the University of British Columbia. My parents had three jobs each and were extremely hard working, but the financial pressure of university tuition was stressful for our family. I am now in a position to give back and help young students in a similar situation. My hope is that when these recipients are established in their careers, they will pass on the kindness to another student.” – Katrina Sriranpong
Bursary Award Amount: $1,000 to support your educational journey.
Submit your application by July 1, 2026.
Write a 500 to 1000-word essay and include the following in your submission:
Your essay should articulate how you are committed to human rights.
**Please also provide any documents to support your claim for financial need as well as an admission decision letter (when available) from an eligible Canadian post-secondary institution showing acceptance for the 2026-27 school year.
“It means a great deal to those who are oppressed to know that they are not alone. Never let anyone tell you that what you are doing is insignificant.”
– Desmond Tutu, South African Civil Rights Activist
