How to Apply for University of Toronto Graduate Scholarships 2025

The University of Toronto (U of T) is one of Canada’s top-ranked universities, offering world-class graduate programs across diverse fields. To support outstanding students, U of T provides generous graduate scholarships, including the Connaught International Scholarship, Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS), and department-specific awards.

If you’re planning to apply for University of Toronto Graduate Scholarships in 2025, this guide covers everything you need to know, including:

1. Types of U of T Graduate Scholarships Available
2. Eligibility Requirements
3. Step-by-Step Application Process
4. Deadlines & Key Dates
5. Tips for a Winning Application
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to maximize your chances of securing funding for your graduate studies at U of T.

1. Types of U of T Graduate Scholarships Available

The University of Toronto offers several prestigious scholarships for master’s and PhD students:

A. University-Wide Scholarships

1. Connaught International Scholarship
   • For: Doctoral students
   • Value: $10,000 per year (up to 5 years)
   • Focus: Academic excellence & research potential
2. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
   • For: Master’s & PhD students
   • Value: $5,000 per term (up to 2-3 terms)
   • Focus: Merit-based
3. School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Fellowships
   • For: Top-ranked applicants
   • Value: $5,000–$25,000

B. Department-Specific Scholarships

• Many faculties (e.g., Engineering, Medicine, Humanities) offer additional funding for graduate students.
• Examples:
  • Faculty of Arts & Science Scholarships
  • Engineering Graduate Awards

C. External Scholarships Hosted at U of T

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships ($50,000/year for PhD)
• Trudeau Foundation Scholarships (For social sciences & humanities)

2. Eligibility Requirements

A. General Eligibility

• Must be admitted (or applying) to a full-time graduate program at U of T
• Must meet minimum academic requirements (usually A- average or higher)
• Some awards are citizenship-specific (e.g., OGS for Canadian/PR students)

B. Program-Specific Requirements

• Research-based programs typically have more funding opportunities than course-based ones.
• Some scholarships require:
  • Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
  • Supervisor support

C. International Student Eligibility

• Many awards (e.g., Connaught Scholarship) are open to international students.
• Some (e.g., OGS) are restricted to Canadian citizens/permanent residents.

3. Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Apply for Admission to U of T

• Submit your graduate program application (deadlines vary by department).
• Most programs require:
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Intent
  • Letters of Recommendation

Step 2: Check Scholarship Deadlines

• University-wide awards: Usually November–January
• Department-specific awards: Varies (check your faculty’s website)

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Common materials include:

• CV/Resume (highlighting academic achievements)
• Statement of Purpose (explaining research/career goals)
• Reference Letters (from academic supervisors)
• Research Proposal (for PhD applicants)

Step 4: Submit Your Scholarship Application

• Some awards (e.g., OGS) require a separate application.
• Others (e.g., SGS Fellowships) are automatically considered upon admission.

Step 5: Wait for Results

• Notifications typically come from March–June.

4. Deadlines & Key Dates for 2025

Scholarship	Application Deadline	Notification Period
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)	Jan–Feb 2025	April–May 2025
Connaught International Scholarship	Varies by department	March–May 2025
SGS Fellowships	Automatic with admission	April–June 2025
Department-Specific Awards	Check faculty website	Varies

Pro Tip: Set reminders for deadlines—many students miss out by applying late!

5. Tips for a Winning Application

A. Research Proposal Tips (For PhD Applicants)

• Be specific – Clearly define your research question.
• Show impact – Explain how your work contributes to your field.

Example:
“My research on sustainable urban design will help Toronto reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2030.”

B. Statement of Purpose Tips

• Explain why U of T is the best fit for your research.
• Highlight past achievements (publications, awards).

C. Reference Letters Tips

• Choose referees who can speak to your research potential.
• Provide them with a summary of your accomplishments.

D. Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Missing deadlines (Set calendar reminders!)
❌ Generic statements (Tailor each application)
❌ Weak references (Choose recommenders carefully)

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I apply for multiple U of T scholarships?

Yes! You can apply for university-wide and department-specific awards.

Q2: Do I need a supervisor before applying?

For research-based programs, securing a supervisor early strengthens your application.

Q3: Are there scholarships for international students?

Yes! The Connaught Scholarship and some departmental awards support international applicants.

Q4: Can I work while holding a U of T scholarship?

Yes, but some awards have restrictions (check terms and conditions).

Q5: What if I don’t get a scholarship?

Consider TA/RA positions, external awards, or student loans.