Financial Support
Financial Aid
The University of Toronto gives high priority to the matter of graduate financial support. For many doctoral-stream students, programs commit to a minimum level of funding at the beginning of each year, for up to five years of study. For further information about the funding available from specific programs, see the Graduate Funding Structures document at www.sgs.utoronto.ca/informationfor/students/money/funding.htm.
Although financial support cannot be guaranteed for all graduate students in all programs, we encourage you to inquire about financial assistance at your academic department or the Graduate Awards Office at the School of Graduate Studies.
Internal Awards
The School of Graduate Studies offers a number of internal awards to meritorious graduate students such as the Connaught Scholarship as well as other endowed awards. For more information on internal awards visit www.sgs.utoronto.ca/informationfor/students/money/support/internal.htm.
External Awards
Canadians and Canadian permanent residents may also apply for external support in the form of scholarships and fellowships offered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca). All three granting councils (NSERC, SSHRC, and CIHR) also offer Canadian Graduate Scholarships (CGS) and Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships. International students are eligible for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships only.
The Government of the Province of Ontario provides graduate scholarships tenable at Ontario universities. Ontario Graduate Scholarships (http://osap.gov.on.ca) are available for graduate studies in all disciplines. Sixty of these awards are available to visa students.
Ontario Graduate Scholarships in Science and Technology (OGSST) are designed to encourage excellence in graduate studies in science and technology; these are available only to Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
The federal and provincial governments provide financial support to qualified students who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Ontario. The loan amount depends on your calculated financial need. Students can apply online at http://osap.gov.on.ca.
Awards for Non-Canadians
In addition to the internal funding normally available to all international students, a number of external funding sources can also be explored. For more information on awards for non-Canadians, please visit www.sgs.utoronto.ca/informationfor/students/money/support/international.htm. International students are encouraged to apply for all possible funding opportunities in their home country.
International students are eligible for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships. Please visit the tri-council websites for more information on specific awards.
The Government of the Province of Ontario provides graduate scholarships tenable at Ontario universities. Ontario Graduate Scholarships (http://osap.gov.on.ca) are available for graduate studies in all disciplines. Sixty of these awards are available to visa students.
Other Funding Sources
Teaching Assistantships
Some graduate units hire teaching assistants who spend up to 10 hours a week conducting tutorials, grading undergraduate essays and exams, and acting as a resource for undergraduate students. For further information, write to the chair of your graduate unit, giving full particulars of your academic training and experience.
Research Assistantships
Research assistants normally work with a faculty member, assisting with research projects. Apply directly to the graduate unit chair concerned.
Financial Need
Emergency Grant Program
The Emergency Grant Program is designed to assist currently registered, full-time graduate students beyond their first year of studies who generally are not part of the funded cohort, and who encounter an unanticipated serious financial emergency. This is not considered to be a source of routine or long-term funding. For more information on the Emergency Grant Program, visit www.sgs.utoronto.ca/informationfor/students/money/support/assistance.htm.
Emergency Loan Program
The Emergency Loan Program is designed to alleviate temporary cash flow problems for students who are expecting to receive a payment in the near future. The maximum loan amount is $1,500 and is interest free until the mutually agreed upon repayment date. For more information on the Emergency Grant Program, visit www.sgs.utoronto.ca/informationfor/students/money/support/assistance.htm.
Accessibility Grant Program
The Accessibility Grant Program is designed to assist currently registered, full-time graduate students with accommodations necessary to meet unexpected needs arising from the particular demands of their graduate program. The grant is intended to assist with relatively short term needs that are required to complete the program. Students are expected to plan for long-term assistance. Students must apply for this grant through Accessibility Services. Visit www.sgs.utoronto.ca/informationfor/students/money/support/access.htm
Opportunities Database
An Opportunities Database has been developed by ULife and provides a listing of internal and external awards available to University of Toronto students. This list will be updated regularly as new awards become available and we encourage students to visit the website (https://ulife.utoronto.ca/opportunities/list/type/award) often.
Financial Counselling
Financial counselling can relieve stress, resolve immediate financial problems, and help plan for the future. Financial counsellors are trained to assist students in all aspects of financial management including budget planning and debt load management. Financial counselling sessions are confidential and available to graduate students free of charge. To schedule an appointment, contact the Graduate Awards Office by telephone at (416) 946-0808 or by email to graduate.awards@utoronto.ca.
Further Information on Financial Support
Visit
www.sgs.utoronto.ca/informationfor/students/money.htm
Contact
Graduate Awards Office
School of Graduate Studies
University of Toronto
Room 202, 63 St. George Street
Toronto, Ontario M5S 2Z9
Canada
Telephone: (416) 978-2379
Fax: (416) 971-2864
Email: graduate.awards@utoronto.ca or gradschool@utoronto.ca
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