Bursaries and Grants
Introduction to University Bursaries and Grants
The Policy on Student Financial Support contains an assurance of financial support for all students admitted to the University of Toronto. This policy specifies the following forms of student financial assistance:- Grants, bursaries, scholarships and fellowships
- Outside awards (as defined in the Policy on Student Awards)
- Institutionally-negotiated loan programs
- Work-Study and other forms of employment based learning
- Teaching Assistantships and research assistantships
If the type of financial support requires that the student demonstrate financial need, the University uses a common mechanism based on the Ontario Student Assistance Plan (OSAP) needs calculation. Where the University deemed it necessary, modifications were allowed. Financial support is available for undergraduate and graduate studies (for both full-time and part-time students).
To receive financial support from the University a student must be in good academic standing.
In addition to helping students with financial need, the University believes that incentives should be provided to those students who demonstrate academic excellence. To this end, the University offers many merit-only awards to recognize and promote academic excellence among our student community.
In this section of the website you will find information about the following types of financial support:
Bursaries or Grants (usually financial need based), and
Scholarships (usually academic merit based)
Bursaries or Grants
Bursaries, are non-repayable sums of money provided by the University to students who demonstrate a need for financial assistance. The money is yours to keep; you don't have to pay it back as long as you continue in school.
Undergraduate bursary funds are designed to assist those students who have explored all other avenues of financial assistance (i.e. OSAP, bank loan/line of credit, family support, summer and part-time work). Students will normally complete a bursary application in order to receive assistance. A student’s financial need will be determined from the budget sheet which is part of the application.
TopStudent Financial Aid Guidelines
The staff responsible for administering bursaries and scholarships must follow guidelines. These guidelines provide us with a set of principles which we apply when reviewing a student’s bursary application or awarding a scholarship. Briefly:
- University funding will not replace the lack of OSAP (i.e. a student must be eligible for OSAP).
- University funding will not provide support to parents, relative or partners;
- Be used to pay debts
- Fund optional summer studies
- Cover medical or dental costs already covered by SAC, APUS, GSU Health Plans
- University funding can only assist registered students.
Student Financial Responsibilities
It is expected that students behave responsibly when it comes to their finances. It is expected that students:- Apply early for government student loans, as it can take up to 8 weeks to receive the funding. By applying early, students will be able to begin their financial planning early and be ready to concentrate on their studies when classes begin.
- Pay their tuition fees promptly after receiving the funds from their student loan.
- Prepare a reasonable and responsible budget prior to the beginning of the academic year. It is important that students live within their means.
- Make every effort to remain in good academic standing. Students should avoid unnecessary tuition and debt by consult with the Registrar’s Office about course selection and if dropping a course, with the FAO to determine any OSAP implications.
- Consider the impact of Summer studies on their resources for the Fall/Winter terms, if the Summer study is optional in their program. They should also consider the effect of their lack of work experience on their résumé.
- Ensure their continued eligibility for OSAP by meeting OSAP’s standards of academic progress and other issues that may affect it. (See Government Aid section)
- Maintain a good credit rating by borrowing responsibly and limit the use of credit cards by their current ability to repay.
- Explore all other avenues of financial support before applying for need-based grant assistance from the University. This includes, but is not limited to, family, OSAP appeals, savings, part-time employment, summer employment, external awards, and banks.
UTAPS - University of Toronto Advance Planning for Students
UTAPS is an important component of the Policy on Student Financial Support which states our commitment to help students pay for their university education. UTAPS is a financial aid program for full time students who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents and are eligible for need-based government student assistance or funding from a First Nations band. UTAPS has two important aspects:
- UTAPS can be used by new students as a planning tool, and
- UTAPS provides grant assistance to meet unmet financial need
UTAPS as a Planning Tool
The UTAPS application is simply a mechanism to provide early information to students. Students who are concerned about the financial cost of attending university may obtain an assessment of the amount of funding they can expect to receive from government programs and other forms of financial assistance, by completing an on-line UTAPS application. These applications are available to all students who have applied for admission to full-time studies at the University of Toronto.
Notification of UTAPS eligibility is included with the University's offer of admission to undergraduate studies. Students may do a self-assessment using our web-based assessment program.
UTAPS as Grant Assistance
For every new and returning student, the University examines the OSAP assessment, which we receive from the provincial government in September, to identify all students who qualify for UTAPS grants. We then write directly to the students to notify them of their eligibility.
More information is available from the Admissions and Awards website. You can also go directly to the online application form.
Procedures after you submit an online UTAPS application:- Residents of Ontario
You should submit an online OSAP application. The University will examine your OSAP assessment after you pick up your first loan document and your OSAP Confirmation of Enrolment form is processed. If you qualify for UTAPS you will be advised in writing of the specific amount. - Residents of Other Provinces and Territories
Apply for student assistance from your home province or territory. Submit your UTAPS acknowledgement letter with a copy of your provincial Notice of Assessment when it becomes available to finalize your UTAPS application. You will be advised in writing of the specific amount of your UTAPS funding. Paper applications for UTAPS are also available from the Registrar’s Office. - First Nations Students
Apply for funding through your band from the Aboriginal Postsecondary Student Support Program. Submit your UTAPS acknowledgement letter with a copy of your First Nations Notice of Assessment when it becomes available to finalize your UTAPS application. You will be advised in writing of the specific amount of your UTAPS funding.
Payment of UTAPS grant
UTAPS grants are paid into your ROSI fees account. Any remaining amount after fees are paid in full will be paid to you by Student Accounts.
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University of Toronto Scarborough Grant Program
Bursaries, are non-repayable sums of money provided by the University for students who can show they have a need for financial assistance. Undergraduate grant funds are designed to assist those students who have explored all other avenues of financial assistance (i.e. OSAP, bank loan/line of credit, family support, summer and part-time work).
How to Apply for Grant Assistance
Grant applications are completed online through eService. The online application is available 3 times per year, usually at the beginning of each session for 5 weeks. When applying for a grant, students must accurately fill out the budget worksheet and provide as much detail as possible for the Grant Committee. Supporting documents are welcome but are not required, except where noted on the application. If the Grant Committee requests supporting documents, these must be submitted before further consideration of your application.
Eligibility for a Grant
Students must be attending full time in order to be eligible. A student is allowed one application per session. Students who are registered for the Fall and Winter sessions can only apply once (either in the Fall or the Winter).
Calculating the Grant Amount
A student’s financial need is determined by subtracting allowable expenses from expected resources. If a student’s allowable expenses exceed the expected resources, and the student meets the eligibility requirement, a grant will be issued.
To view the deadline dates for the online grant application, click here.
Miss the Deadline?
Students who are having financial difficulties and have missed the deadline for the online grant application should make an appointment to see a Financial Aid Advisor. You may be eligible to apply using a paper application.
Notification
Students will be notified about the result of their grant application. Students who apply online will receive notification through eService. All other students will either receive notification through email or by a letter. If you do not understand the decision or would like to discuss it, make an appointment to see a Financial Aid Advisor.
Top Other Grants and BursariesGavin Livesey Memorial Bursary
Awarded to a student enrolled in the co-operative program in International Development Studies returning from work placement to complete the fifth and final year and is given on the basis of financial need. Where two or more students qualify on this basis, the students' contribution to the program and to U of T Scarborough will also be considered. (OSOTF*)
Applications are available in the Registrar's Office (AA142) during the month of September.
Deadline: September 30
The Ian MacDonald Bursary
This bursary is automatically awarded to full time degree student in 2nd, 3rd or 4th year. The student must have achieved at a cumulative GPA of at least B standing in previous year and can demonstrate financial need. The candidate pool will be students applying for financial assistance through a UTSC Bursary.
U of T Scarborough N'sheemaehn Child Care Centre Bursary
This bursary is awarded on the basis of financial need to one or more students who have (or will have) one or more children at N'Sheemaehn. The bursary must be applied to child care fees at N'Sheemaehn. Application required. Deadline: July 30
For more information about the Centre, or to arrange for a visit, please contact the Director, Joanne Quinn at 416-287-7624. Email:childcare@utsc.utoronto.ca Web-Site: www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~childcare/
SCSU Dollar for Daycare Grant
Scarborough Campus Students' Union has funds available to help students with the cost of day care. This grant is awarded to any member of the Scarborough Campus Students' Union (any full-time or part-time undergraduate student at the University of Toronto at Scarborough) or any student on a co-op work term with financial need related to daycare expenses. Values of the SCSU Dollar for Daycare Grant can vary depending on individual student needs and the funding available.
The application form is available from the SCSU website .
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SCSU/University of Toronto Bookstore Book Bursary |
Scarborough Campus Students' Union together with the University of Toronto Bookstore has funds available to help students with the cost relating to textbooks. The eligibility criteria is stated on the application form which is available at certain times of year from the SCSU website .
Government Grants
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Ontario Distance Grants |  |
The Ontario Distance Grants are intended to assist full-time postsecondary students from remote and rural areas with travel costs incurred as a result of attending Ontario's publicly funded colleges and universities.
- Commuter Grant – eligible students can receive $500 per term. To be eligible you must be living and home and commuting to school and your home address is 80 kilometres or more from the closest public postsecondary institution of the type you are attending (for example, your home is 80 kilometres or more from the closest university).
- Travel Grant – eligible students can receive $300 per academic year. To be eligible, you are a dependent student, living away from home and the closest public postsecondary of the type you are attending, is 80 kilometres or more from your home address.
More information is available from the OSAP website .
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Child-Care Bursary Plan |
The Child-Care Bursary Plan assists students who have child-care costs for three or more children. The amount of the bursary varies depending on the number of children. This bursary is for students who are receiving OSAP assistance and is a non-repayable type of funding. A separate application is required.
The 30% Off Ontario Tuition Grant Progam
The 30% Off Ontario Tuition is a grant to help make postsecondary education more affordable for full-time undergraduate university and college students.
Starting in September 2012, the grant pays:
• $1,680 a year for students in a degree program at a college or university
• $770 a year for students in a certificate or diploma program at a college
Who is eligible for the 30% Off Ontario Tuition?
You’re eligible if:
- you're a full-time student at a public college or university in Ontario
- you're in a first entry program — that is a program you applied to and entered directly from high school
- it's been less than four years since you left high school
- your parents' gross income is $160,000 or less
- you’re a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident or a protected person
- you’re an Ontario resident
More Information
We recommend you read more about the 30% Off Ontario Tuition grant by visiting the website: www.ontario.ca/30off.
U of T and External Bursary Programs
University of Toronto Faculty Association (UTFA)UTFA offers financial assistance to one undergraduate and one graduate student through the UTFA Tuition Awards program. This program was established because UTFA believes that an inability to pay tuition should not be a barrier to obtaining or continuing a university education. Applications available here. Deadline: October 1 (usually)
Masonic Bursary Programme
The Masonic Foundation of Ontario offers Masonic Bursaries to assist students enrolled in full time studies at an Ontario College or University recognized by the Foundation. The bursary is intended to help students who have encountered an unexpected financial emergency during the final term of the 3rd or 4th year of a 4 year program. Applications are available from the Registrar’s Office (AA142).
Links & Resources
- National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation - offers 4 major programs to First Nations (status and non-status), Inuit and Métis students.
- CanLearn is Canada's one-stop resource site for information and planning tools for post-secondary education. You will find a scholarship search tool too!
- StudentAwards.com – A Canadian website that has thousands of scholarships and other types of financial support on a database.
Emergency Loans
Emergency Loans are considered to be the last resort for students in desperate financial need. You must be a currently registered student to be eligible. Loans are typically given to students that have experienced a delay in government loan funding, and are thus given an advance on that funding.
The loans are typically under $1000 and are issued to cover immediate costs of food and shelter. The loans are designed to be short term, and interest is not charged while the loan is outstanding.
The money that supports this program is not replenished so we are dependent on the goodwill of students to pay back the loans in a timely fashion so we can offer this type of assistance in subsequent years.
If you require emergency assistance for food or shelter, please make an appointment to see a Financial Aid Advisor.