University of Toronto

2009/2010 U of T Aid and Awards
Quick Facts

As the table below shows, U of T gives out millions of dollars every year to students to help make their education dreams a reality. To get in on the university's many aid and awards opportunities, follow our 3 simple steps to getting the funding you need!

Access to Funding Made Easier:
Your Guide to Aid and Awards at
U of T

We know that there are lots of things on your mind as you prepare for your adventures at U of T: Will I like my professors? Did I choose the right courses? Will I get enough down time? And for the over 40% of you who opt for financial aid, you may be wondering: Do I need a degree in math or economics to be able to figure out how to apply for funding? (The short answer is "no.")

Worry no more. Even though U of T is big and can seem complicated, the student funding system is actually quite simple – it consists of grants or bursaries (non-repayable funds given to students with financial need) and scholarships (awards based on academic merit). You might also be surprised by the variety and number of funding options, as well as the university's strong commitment to ensure that students like you get the financial help they need.

In fact, U of T has led the way in helping students fund their education. In 1998, Governing Council approved the Policy on Student Financial Support, guaranteeing that all Canadian students at the university – regardless of financial means – would be able to complete their studies. Out of this came the University of Toronto Advance Planning for Students (UTAPS) program, which assists full-time students with expenses not covered by the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). UTAPS predated the government's Ontario Student Access Guarantee requiring institutions to fill the financial gaps left by provincial funding.

Accessing UTAPS couldn't be easier – there's no need to apply because consideration comes automatically when you receive OSAP funding. You can choose to fill out an online UTAPS application if you want to receive early information about your funding status or you want to be considered for need-based undergraduate admission awards.

If you're a full-time student, you can further supplement your finances through the work-study program, which allows you to take on part-time jobs at the university. "It's also a great chance for students to learn valuable career skills," says David Sidebottom, Manager of Financial Aid Services at U of T's Admissions and Awards. After qualifying for OSAP or funding through another province or territory, you can access work-study postings on the Career Centre website. Sidebottom adds that "even more U of T students will be eligible for UTAPS and work-study since the Ontario government modernized OSAP last year" and broadened the funding qualification criteria.

If you have high marks, you may also be eligible for one of U of T's nearly 2,000 merit-based awards, 350 of which are admission scholarships. Some of these awards require an application and some don't, such as the President's Entrance Scholarship Program, which guarantees a minimum of $2,000 to Canadian students with an average of 92 percent or better and straight "As."

But U of T's financial aid and scholarship system supports far more than just full-time and academically exceptional students. There's the part-time equivalent to UTAPS, called the Noah Meltz Program, which was also created shortly after the Policy on Student Financial Support, plus there is funding for international , professional program, and disabled students. There's even an award for children of Canadian Forces personnel who were killed on duty.

The university is always finding new ways to financially accommodate its diverse student body, so keep checking out our awards and financial aid sites for updated information, follow our 3 simple steps to getting the funding you need and don't be shy to consult a financial aid counsellor for help – access to funding is just a click or call away!