Awards, bursaries and scholarships

• I applied for a bursary, but I have not heard back yet. What do I do?

  General bursary applications will be assessed following the application deadline. All assessments will be completed in the order in which they are received. Prior to this date, applications will not be assessed unless you are facing a financial emergency.

  If you are experiencing a financial emergency, contact us to book an appointment with a financial aid officer.

  View your application

• My award application says I need to book an appointment. Why is this required? How do I book?
  Some awards may require you to meet with a student awards or financial aid officer to discuss the details of your application further. To book an appointment, please give us a call at 905.721.3190.
• I want to apply for awards, but I don’t see any posted.
  Award applications for the upcoming academic year will be posted in August. In the meantime, you can check out our SAFA website for information and criteria for awards that will become available.
• Do I have to pay back awards, bursaries or scholarships?
  Scholarships, awards, and bursaries are types of financial assistance that you do not have to repay. They are considered income by the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and need to be declared on your OSAP application, unless you have been notified in writing that the award will be reported on your behalf.
• I have already paid my tuition and now I received a scholarship. How do I get that money?

  If you have already paid your full year’s tuition prior to receiving an award, you will now see a negative balance on your account. Once the add/drop deadline for the current semester has passed, you can contact our office to request a refund.

• How do I declare this income and how will it affect me?
  Awards, bursaries and scholarships are not considered taxable income, but must be reported to the Canada Revenue Agency through T4A forms. Find out more about tax guidelines and the rules regarding scholarships and bursaries.
• I received an entrance scholarship but I only see half on my account. When will I get the rest?
  Award of recognition entrance scholarships are applied in two installments: 50 per cent in the fall semester and 50 per cent in winter.
• I am a mature or transfer student. What scholarships are available to me?
  Once you have completed one academic year at the university, you may be eligible for an in-course scholarship. Visit our SAFA website for eligibility criteria.
• I am a domestic student coming into my first year. What scholarships are available to me?

  The university has an award of recognition entrance scholarship program for incoming domestic students. If you have been out of high school for less than 18 months, and have a minimum entrance average of 85 per cent in your top six 4U- or M-level courses, you are eligible to receive funding. There is no application required.

  In addition, the university offers four major entrance scholarships based on outstanding academic achievement and community involvement. These scholarships require a separate application, as well as two reference letters. Learn more about criteria and how to apply.

• I am an international student coming into my first year. What scholarships are available to me?

  International students can apply for the Global Leadership Award, an application-based award that requires students to submit an online application, along with reference letters from teachers and/or community members. Learn more about criteria and how to apply. We also have an in-course scholarship program which you may be eligible for after completing a full academic year. In-course scholarships are available to students who:

  • Completed a fall and winter term at a minimum 80 per cent course load.
  • Achieved a minimum 3.7 grade point average (GPA).
  • Are returning to a minimum 80 per cent course load in the upcoming fall and winter terms.