Are you an immigrant or refugee youth dreaming of pursuing higher education in Canada but worried about the costs? You're not alone, and there's good news. The World Education Services (WES) offers dedicated scholarships specifically designed to help students like you achieve your academic goals. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about WES scholarships in Canada, including who can apply, how much funding is available, and the step-by-step application process to secure this valuable financial support for your educational journey.
Understanding WES Scholarships for Immigrant and Refugee Youth
World Education Services (WES) is more than just a credential evaluation organization. They're committed to supporting newcomers to Canada through various scholarship programs aimed at removing financial barriers to education. These scholarships represent a lifeline for immigrant and refugee youth who face unique challenges in accessing post-secondary education.
The WES scholarship programs recognize that newcomer students often encounter obstacles that their Canadian-born peers don't face. These can include the financial burden of settling in a new country, language barriers, lack of Canadian work experience, and the need to support family members. By providing targeted financial assistance, WES helps level the playing field and ensures that talented students from immigrant and refugee backgrounds can pursue their educational dreams.
What Makes WES Scholarships Different
Unlike many traditional scholarships that focus solely on academic excellence or financial need, WES scholarships take a holistic approach. They understand that immigrant and refugee students bring unique perspectives, experiences, and strengths to Canadian educational institutions. The application process is designed to capture your full story, not just your grades or test scores.
These scholarships also recognize the diverse pathways that newcomer students take. Whether you're heading to university, college, or a professional program, there are WES scholarship opportunities available. This flexibility ensures that students pursuing various educational paths can access support, reflecting the reality that success comes in many forms.
Eligibility Requirements for WES Scholarships
Understanding who qualifies for WES scholarships is the first crucial step in your application journey. The eligibility criteria are designed to identify students who will benefit most from this financial support while ensuring fair access to the program.
Immigration Status Requirements
To be eligible for WES scholarships in Canada, you must hold one of the following immigration statuses:
- Personal information (name, contact details, date of birth)
- Immigration status details
- Educational history and current or intended program of study
- Financial information
- Responses to essay questions or prompts
- Upload sections for supporting documents
Take your time filling out the form. Double-check all information for accuracy before moving to the next section. Many applicants find it helpful to draft their responses in a separate document first, then copy and paste them into the application form.
Step Six: Review and Submit
Before hitting the submit button, thoroughly review your entire application. Check for spelling and grammar errors, ensure all required fields are completed, and verify that all documents have been uploaded correctly. If possible, have someone else review your application for errors you might have missed.
Submit your application well before the deadline. Technical issues can occur, and submitting early ensures you won't miss the cutoff due to last-minute problems. After submission, you should receive a confirmation email. Save this confirmation and any reference numbers provided.
Important Deadlines and Timeline
Timing is everything when applying for scholarships. Missing a deadline means waiting another full year for the next application cycle, so mark these important dates on your calendar and plan accordingly.
Annual Application Periods
WES scholarships typically follow an annual application cycle. The main application period usually opens in late fall or early winter and closes in late February or early March. Specific dates can vary slightly from year to year, so always check the official WES website for the most current information.
For the 2026 academic year, applications are likely to open in November or December 2025, with a deadline around late February or early March 2026. However, these dates should be confirmed directly with WES as they may adjust based on program capacity and funding availability.
Decision Notification Timeline
After the application deadline passes, the selection process typically takes two to three months. Scholarship recipients are usually notified by email in late spring or early summer. This timing allows successful applicants to plan their finances before the fall semester begins.
If you're selected for a scholarship, you'll receive detailed information about accepting the award, any conditions attached to it, and how the funds will be disbursed to your institution.
Planning Your Application Timeline
To ensure a stress-free application experience, work backwards from the deadline to create your personal timeline. Here's a suggested schedule:
- 4-5 Months Before Deadline: Begin researching scholarship programs and confirming your eligibility
- 3-4 Months Before: Request letters of recommendation and start gathering required documents
- 2-3 Months Before: Begin drafting your personal statement and application essays
- 1 Month Before: Complete your application form, finalize your personal statement, and have everything reviewed
- 2 Weeks Before: Submit your completed application to allow time for any technical issues
Tips for Strengthening Your Application
With many qualified applicants competing for limited scholarships, you want your application to stand out for all the right reasons. These strategies can help you present yourself in the best possible light and increase your chances of success.
Tell Your Unique Story
Your immigration or refugee journey is unique to you. Don't be afraid to share the challenges you've faced, but also emphasize your resilience and growth. The selection committee wants to see how your experiences have shaped your character and aspirations. Be specific about moments that were transformative or particularly challenging, and explain what you learned from them.
Avoid simply recounting hardships without context. Instead, frame your story around themes of perseverance, adaptation, and hope. Show how you've turned obstacles into opportunities and how you plan to use your education to make a positive impact.
Demonstrate Financial Need Clearly
Being honest and specific about your financial situation is crucial. Don't assume that the selection committee will automatically understand your circumstances. Explain why you need the scholarship—whether it's to avoid excessive student debt, to reduce work hours so you can focus more on studies, or to afford essential resources like textbooks and technology.
Provide concrete examples of financial challenges. For instance, you might explain that your family supports multiple dependents on a single income, that you're helping to support younger siblings, or that you're working part-time while attending school full-time. Numbers and specific details make your need more tangible and compelling.
Highlight Community Involvement and Leadership
WES values applicants who demonstrate a commitment to giving back. Even if you haven't held traditional leadership positions, you likely have examples of community involvement. This could include volunteering, helping newcomer families settle in Canada, tutoring other students, participating in cultural organizations, or advocating for important causes.
Describe not just what you did, but the impact of your involvement. How many people did you help? What did you learn? How has this experience influenced your educational or career goals? Concrete impacts and outcomes make your contributions more impressive.
Connect Your Goals to Your Field of Study
Show that you've thought deeply about why you're pursuing your chosen field of study and how it aligns with your long-term goals. Explain the connection between your personal experiences, your academic interests, and your career aspirations. This demonstrates maturity, purpose, and a clear vision for your future.
If relevant, discuss how your background as an immigrant or refugee gives you unique insights or perspectives in your field. For example, if you're studying social work, you might discuss how your experience navigating settlement services has inspired you to help other newcomers. If you're pursuing healthcare, you might explain how language barriers affected your family's access to medical care and motivated you to enter medicine.
Pay Attention to Details
Small details matter. Follow all formatting guidelines precisely, whether they relate to word counts, font sizes, or file formats for uploaded documents. Proofread multiple times to eliminate typos and grammatical errors. Submit all required materials—incomplete applications are typically disqualified regardless of how strong the submitted portions are.
If the application asks you to address specific questions or prompts, make sure you actually answer what's being asked. It's easy to write a beautiful essay that doesn't quite address the question. Stay focused on what the selection committee wants to know.
Understanding the Selection Process
Knowing how applications are evaluated can help you position yourself more effectively. While specific selection criteria may vary slightly between different WES scholarship programs, there are common factors that influence decisions.
Evaluation Criteria
WES scholarship committees typically consider the following factors when reviewing applications:
- Academic Merit: Your grades and academic achievements matter, but they're not the only factor. The committee looks for consistent performance and upward trends, even if your overall GPA isn't perfect.
- Financial Need: Demonstrated financial circumstances and how the scholarship would impact your ability to pursue your education.
- Personal Statement Quality: The strength, authenticity, and clarity of your written responses. This is where your story and personality shine through.
- Letters of Recommendation: What others say about your character, potential, and abilities provides valuable external validation.
- Community Engagement: Evidence of giving back, leadership, or involvement in activities beyond academics.
- Overcoming Adversity: How you've dealt with challenges related to your immigration or refugee experience and what you've learned from these experiences.
- Future Potential: Your goals, plans, and the likelihood that you'll use your education to make positive contributions.
Holistic Review Process
WES uses a holistic review approach, meaning no single factor automatically disqualifies or guarantees selection. A student with a slightly lower GPA but exceptional leadership and a compelling personal story might be selected over someone with perfect grades but a weaker overall application. The committee looks at your entire profile and judges you in the context of the opportunities you've had and the obstacles you've faced.
This holistic approach is particularly beneficial for newcomer students who may have faced educational disruptions due to immigration, language barriers, or the need to work to support their families. The committee understands these challenges and evaluates your achievements accordingly.
What Happens If You Win a WES Scholarship
Receiving news that you've been awarded a WES scholarship is an exciting moment. Understanding what comes next helps you prepare to make the most of this opportunity.
Accepting Your Award
When you receive your scholarship notification, you'll typically need to formally accept the award by a specified deadline. This process may require you to sign an acceptance agreement, provide updated enrollment confirmation, and submit any additional documentation requested.
Read all terms and conditions carefully. Some scholarships have specific requirements you must meet to maintain eligibility, such as maintaining a minimum GPA, enrolling full-time, or participating in certain activities or events.
Fund Disbursement
WES scholarships are usually disbursed directly to your educational institution rather than to you personally. The funds are typically applied to your student account and used to cover tuition and fees. If your scholarship amount exceeds your tuition costs, the remainder may be refunded to you for other educational expenses like books, accommodation, or technology.
The timing of disbursement varies, but funds are generally transferred before the start of the academic term to ensure you're not delayed in registration due to outstanding balances. Confirm the disbursement schedule with both WES and your institution's financial aid office.
Ongoing Requirements
As a WES scholarship recipient, you may have certain ongoing obligations. These commonly include:
- Maintaining satisfactory academic progress (usually a minimum GPA specified in your award letter)
- Remaining enrolled in an eligible program at a recognized institution
- Providing periodic progress reports or updates
- Participating in recipient events, such as award ceremonies or networking sessions
- Being willing to share your story or experiences for WES promotional materials (optional, but often requested)
Failing to meet these requirements could result in loss of the scholarship or requirement to repay received funds, so take them seriously.
Beyond the Financial Support
Winning a WES scholarship opens doors beyond the immediate financial benefit. You become part of a network of accomplished scholars and may gain access to mentorship programs, networking events, and career development opportunities. These connections can be invaluable as you progress through your education and into your career.
Additionally, having a prestigious scholarship on your resume demonstrates that you've been recognized for your achievements and potential. This recognition can strengthen future scholarship applications, graduate school admissions, and job applications.
Alternative and Additional Funding Sources
While WES scholarships provide valuable support, it's wise to explore multiple funding sources to fully cover your educational expenses. Combining several smaller awards can sometimes provide more total funding than relying on a single scholarship.
Government Student Aid Programs
As a permanent resident or protected person in Canada, you're eligible for government student loans and grants through your provincial or territorial student aid program. These programs offer needs-based funding that doesn't need to be repaid (grants) or offers favorable repayment terms (loans).
The Canada Student Grant for Students from Low-Income Families can provide up to several thousand dollars per year, and the grants don't require repayment. Additionally, if you have dependents or disabilities, there are specific grant programs that provide additional support.
Institutional Scholarships
Most Canadian universities and colleges offer their own scholarship programs for entering and continuing students. These range from entrance scholarships based on high school grades to in-course awards for academic achievement, leadership, or specific fields of study.
Many institutions also have dedicated awards for refugee and immigrant students. Check your school's financial aid website or visit the awards and financial aid office to learn about available opportunities. Don't assume you won't qualify—apply for any scholarship where you meet the basic criteria.
Community and Private Sector Scholarships
Numerous community organizations, cultural associations, professional associations, and private companies offer scholarships. These are often less competitive than major national awards because fewer students know about them or take the time to apply.
Look for scholarships through organizations connected to your cultural or ethnic community, your field of study, your geographic region, or causes you care about. Local service clubs, religious organizations, and immigrant settlement agencies often have small scholarship programs that can add up.
For comprehensive information on studying in Canada and funding opportunities, including details on recent policy changes, you may want to review resources about Canada's study permit policies and other scholarships available for the 2026 intake.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
The scholarship application process can present obstacles, especially for newcomer students. Anticipating these challenges and knowing how to address them increases your likelihood of success.
Language Barriers
If English or French is not your first language, expressing yourself effectively in writing can be challenging. However, the selection committee understands this and looks for authentic communication rather than perfect prose. Focus on clearly conveying your message and your story.
To overcome language challenges, utilize campus writing centers, ESL resources, or ask teachers and mentors to review your work. Many schools offer free tutoring services specifically to help students with scholarship applications. Don't be embarrassed to ask for help—using available resources shows initiative and good judgment.
Lack of Canadian References
Recent arrivals to Canada may worry that they don't have Canadian references who can write strong letters of recommendation. Remember that letters from teachers or mentors from your home country can be valuable, especially if they can speak to qualities like resilience, adaptability, and academic potential that will serve you well in your Canadian education.
If possible, try to develop relationships with Canadian educators or community leaders who can supplement these references. Even a few months of involvement in a program or organization can provide someone with enough insight to write a supportive letter.
Understanding Canadian Credential Requirements
Navigating Canadian educational credential requirements can be confusing, especially if you completed some or all of your previous education outside Canada. While WES scholarships don't require you to have a WES credential evaluation to apply, having your foreign credentials properly assessed can strengthen your application by demonstrating that your academic achievements meet Canadian standards.
Contact your intended institution's admissions office early to understand what credential evaluations or documents they require. This proactive approach prevents last-minute scrambles and shows that you're organized and serious about your education.
Financial Documentation Challenges
Providing clear documentation of financial need can be difficult, especially if your family's income situation is complex or if financial records from your home country are difficult to obtain. Do your best to provide whatever documentation you can, and use your personal statement to explain any gaps or complications in your financial situation.
If traditional financial documents like tax returns aren't available, consider alternative documentation such as letters from settlement agencies, statements from employers, or affidavits explaining your family's financial circumstances. The goal is to paint an honest and clear picture of why you need financial support.
Success Stories: Real Impact of WES Scholarships
Understanding how WES scholarships have transformed the lives of past recipients can inspire and motivate your own application. These scholarships don't just provide money—they change life trajectories and create opportunities that might otherwise be impossible.
Breaking Educational Barriers
Many WES scholarship recipients come from backgrounds where higher education seemed financially impossible. The scholarship allows them to be the first in their family to attend university or college, creating a new legacy of educational achievement. This transformation extends beyond the individual recipient to inspire younger siblings, cousins, and community members who see that higher education is attainable.
Recipients often report that the scholarship reduced their need to work excessive hours while studying, allowing them to focus more fully on their academics and achieve better grades. This academic success opens doors to graduate programs, professional opportunities, and career paths that require strong academic credentials.
Building Professional Networks
WES scholarship recipients gain access to a network of accomplished individuals including past recipients, scholarship committee members, and WES staff. These connections frequently lead to mentorship relationships, internship opportunities, and job placements that accelerate career development.
The recognition that comes with receiving a WES scholarship also provides validation that strengthens recipients' confidence and ambition. Knowing that an established organization believes in their potential motivates recipients to set higher goals and persist through challenges.
Community Leadership and Service
Many WES scholarship recipients become active leaders in their communities, using their education to address challenges facing immigrant and refugee populations. They become social workers, healthcare providers, lawyers, engineers, and educators who bring unique cultural competence and understanding to their professions.
This pattern of giving back creates a multiplier effect where one scholarship doesn't just help one person, but ultimately benefits entire communities through the recipient's future contributions and service.
Additional Resources and Support
You don't have to navigate the scholarship application process alone. Numerous resources exist to support you at every stage.
Campus Resources
Most post-secondary institutions have dedicated financial aid and awards offices with staff who can answer questions about scholarships, review your application materials, and connect you with additional funding opportunities. Don't hesitate to book an appointment—they're there to help you succeed.
Campus writing centers can provide valuable assistance with your personal statement and essays. Similarly, career centers often offer resume and document review services that can help you present your experiences and qualifications effectively.
Settlement and Newcomer Services
If you're connected with a settlement agency or newcomer support organization, they may offer workshops on scholarship applications, credential navigation, and financial literacy. These organizations understand the unique challenges newcomers face and can provide culturally sensitive support.
Many settlement agencies also have partnerships with educational institutions and can connect you with mentors or advisors who specialize in helping immigrant and refugee youth access post-secondary education.
Online Resources
The official WES website provides detailed information about scholarship programs, eligibility requirements, and application processes. They also offer contact information if you have specific questions that aren't answered in their online materials.
Additionally, websites like ScholarshipsCanada.com, Yconic.com, and StudentAwards.com provide searchable databases of hundreds of scholarship opportunities. While not all will be relevant to your situation, you're likely to find several additional opportunities worth pursuing.
For authoritative information on credential evaluation and educational pathways in Canada, consult resources from the Government of Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship website and the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials.
Making the Most of Your Scholarship
If you're fortunate enough to receive a WES scholarship, maximizing its impact goes beyond just paying tuition. Here's how to leverage this opportunity fully.
Academic Excellence
Use the financial relief provided by the scholarship to focus on achieving your highest academic potential. With less pressure to work extensive hours, you can dedicate more time to studying, participating in class, engaging with professors, and exploring research opportunities or extracurricular activities that enhance your education.
Strong academic performance not only helps you meet any GPA requirements for scholarship renewal, but also opens doors to graduate programs, research opportunities, and competitive job placements after graduation.
Building Relationships
Connect with other scholarship recipients, attend any networking events or ceremonies organized by WES, and maintain relationships with your recommenders and mentors. These connections form a professional network that can support you throughout your career.
Don't underestimate the value of staying in touch with the people who supported your scholarship application. Update them on your progress, thank them for their support, and maintain these relationships even after you graduate.
Giving Back
As you advance in your educational journey, look for opportunities to support other newcomer students. This might mean mentoring younger students, volunteering with settlement organizations, sharing your scholarship application experience, or eventually donating to scholarship funds once you're established in your career.
This culture of giving back strengthens the entire community and ensures that future generations of immigrant and refugee youth have access to the same opportunities that helped you succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion: Taking the First Step Toward Your Educational Dreams
WES scholarships represent more than just financial assistance—they're an investment in your potential and a recognition of the valuable perspectives and contributions that immigrant and refugee youth bring to Canadian society. These scholarships can transform what might seem like an impossible dream of higher education into an achievable reality.
The application process may seem challenging, but remember that thousands of students like you have successfully navigated it and gone on to achieve remarkable things. Your unique story, your resilience in the face of challenges, and your determination to build a better future are exactly what makes you a strong candidate for these scholarships.
Don't let fear, uncertainty, or self-doubt prevent you from applying. Start early, gather your materials methodically, tell your story authentically, and submit your application with confidence. Even if you're not selected on your first attempt, the experience of applying builds valuable skills and may lead to other opportunities.
Your journey to Canada has already demonstrated courage, adaptability, and perseverance. Pursuing higher education is the next chapter in that journey, and WES scholarships can help you write it successfully. Take that first step today—research the programs, mark the deadlines on your calendar, and begin gathering your materials. Your future self will thank you for having the courage to try.
Remember that education is one of the most powerful tools for building the life you envision. Whether you're aspiring to become a doctor, engineer, teacher, social worker, entrepreneur, or any other profession, WES scholarships can help bridge the gap between where you are now and where you want to be. The investment you make in your education today will pay dividends throughout your life and enable you to contribute meaningfully to Canadian society while honoring your heritage and supporting your community.
Good luck with your application, and welcome to the next exciting phase of your educational journey in Canada!
Academic and Enrollment Requirements
Beyond immigration status, you must also meet certain academic and enrollment criteria:
- Enrollment Status: You must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution. This includes universities, colleges, and professional programs.
- Academic Standing: While specific GPA requirements may vary by scholarship program, you generally need to demonstrate satisfactory academic performance. This doesn't mean you need perfect grades, but you should show consistent effort and achievement in your studies.
- Program of Study: Most WES scholarships are available for full-time students, though some programs may accommodate part-time students who are balancing work or family responsibilities.
- Level of Study: Scholarships are available for various levels, including college diplomas, undergraduate degrees, and graduate programs.
Residency and Age Considerations
While WES scholarships are available across Canada, some specific programs may have provincial or territorial restrictions. Additionally, certain scholarship streams are designated for youth, typically defined as individuals under 30 years of age, though age limits can vary by program.
Types of WES Scholarship Programs Available
WES offers several distinct scholarship programs, each designed to serve different groups within the immigrant and refugee student community. Understanding the various options helps you identify which program best matches your situation and goals.
WES Mariam Assefa Fund
The Mariam Assefa Fund is one of the flagship WES scholarship programs. Named in honor of Mariam Assefa, an Ethiopian immigrant who became a successful businesswoman in Canada, this fund specifically supports refugee students. The program recognizes that refugees often face the most severe financial challenges and barriers to education.
This scholarship typically provides awards ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 per academic year. Recipients are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their demonstrated commitment to giving back to their communities. The fund prioritizes students who show leadership potential and a clear vision for how education will help them contribute to Canadian society.
General WES Scholarship Programs
Beyond the Mariam Assefa Fund, WES offers general scholarship programs for immigrant and refugee youth. These programs cast a wider net, supporting students from various immigration backgrounds who meet the eligibility criteria. Award amounts typically range from $2,000 to $5,000, though this can vary based on available funding and the number of qualified applicants.
These scholarships consider factors such as academic achievement, financial circumstances, community involvement, and the applicant's personal statement. The selection committee looks for students who demonstrate resilience, determination, and a commitment to using their education to make a positive impact.
Scholarship Award Amounts and Benefits
Understanding what you can receive through WES scholarships helps you plan your educational financing more effectively. These awards provide substantial support that can make the difference between pursuing your dreams and putting them on hold.
Financial Support Details
WES scholarships provide direct financial assistance that can be used for various education-related expenses. The award amounts vary depending on the specific program and your level of study:
- Undergraduate Students: Typically receive between $2,000 and $7,000 per academic year
- Graduate Students: May receive awards ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 annually
- College and Professional Programs: Usually awarded between $2,000 and $5,000 per year
These funds can be applied toward tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, technology needs, and other essential educational expenses. The flexibility in how you can use the money means you can direct it where you need it most.
Renewable Scholarships
One of the most valuable aspects of some WES scholarships is their renewable nature. If you maintain satisfactory academic performance and continue to meet eligibility requirements, you may be able to reapply or have your scholarship automatically renewed for subsequent years of study. This provides stability and allows you to plan your finances with greater confidence throughout your program.
The Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for WES scholarships requires careful preparation and attention to detail. While the process may seem daunting at first, breaking it down into manageable steps makes it much more approachable. Here's your comprehensive guide to navigating the application successfully.
Step One: Verify Your Eligibility
Before investing time in the application, confirm that you meet all basic eligibility requirements. Review your immigration status documentation, check that your intended program of study qualifies, and ensure you fall within any age restrictions that may apply. This preliminary check saves you time and helps you focus your efforts appropriately.
Step Two: Gather Required Documents
Start collecting necessary documentation well in advance of the deadline. You'll typically need:
- Proof of Immigration Status: This could be your Permanent Resident card, Protected Person document, or refugee status confirmation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts from your most recent educational institution, showing your grades and courses completed
- Letter of Acceptance or Enrollment: Confirmation that you've been accepted to or are currently enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary institution
- Financial Documents: Documentation demonstrating your financial need, such as family income information, tax documents, or statements of financial hardship
- Identification: Valid government-issued photo identification
Step Three: Request Letters of Recommendation
Most WES scholarship applications require two letters of recommendation. These should come from individuals who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities, character, and potential. Ideal recommenders include teachers, professors, school counselors, community leaders, or employers.
When requesting letters, give your recommenders plenty of time—at least three to four weeks before the application deadline. Provide them with information about the scholarship, your educational goals, and specific points you'd like them to address. Follow up politely as the deadline approaches to ensure they submit their letters on time.
Step Four: Craft Your Personal Statement
Your personal statement is arguably the most important component of your application. This is your opportunity to tell your story, explain your journey, and demonstrate why you deserve this scholarship. A compelling personal statement should address:
- Your immigration or refugee experience and how it has shaped your educational aspirations
- The challenges you've overcome and the resilience you've demonstrated
- Your academic and career goals, and how this scholarship will help you achieve them
- Your financial circumstances and why you need this support
- Your commitment to contributing to your community and Canadian society
- Any unique perspectives or experiences you bring to your field of study
Be authentic and specific. Avoid generic statements and instead share concrete examples and personal anecdotes that illustrate your points. The selection committee reads hundreds of applications—make yours memorable by being genuine and detailed about your experiences.
Step Five: Complete the Online Application
Once you have all your materials ready, access the WES scholarship portal and complete the online application form. This typically includes: