The University of Toronto (U of T) offers one of Canada’s most extensive scholarship programs, supporting both domestic and international students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. With millions in awards each year, U of T recognizes academic excellence, leadership, community involvement, and financial need. Many scholarships are awarded automatically during the admissions process, while others require applications or nominations.
Major Scholarships at the University of Toronto
Automatic Entrance Awards
U of T automatically considers top applicants for merit-based awards. Examples include the President’s Scholars of Excellence and the University of Toronto Scholars Program, which reward high academic achievement without a separate application.
National Scholarship Program
The National Scholarship is one of U of T’s most prestigious awards for Canadian students. It covers tuition, fees, and residence costs for up to four years and requires a nomination from your high school.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
For outstanding international students, this scholarship covers tuition, residence, and fees for four years. Applicants are nominated by their high school and are assessed on academic excellence, leadership, and community impact.
Awards Profile Opportunities
Canadian students can submit an Awards Profile to be considered for additional scholarships based on financial need, leadership, extracurricular activities, and other achievements.
In-course and Faculty Awards
Current students can access in-course and faculty-specific scholarships, often requiring an application through the Award Explorer tool. These awards recognize academic performance, leadership, and other contributions throughout your studies.
When U of T Scholarship Processes Happen
Application opening period
U of T begins its undergraduate admission and scholarship cycle in late September — typically when the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) opens for the next year’s intake.
Early application advantage
Submitting your OUAC application by November 7 is strongly recommended for early consideration — especially if you’re aiming for major awards and nomination‑based scholarships.
Key deadlines for awards
Awards Profile Deadline: Typically early February — February 2 is the common recommended cutoff to be considered for additional entrance awards via the Awards Profile.
Scholarship application windows: Some scholarships with separate applications open in October–November and close by February‑March for the next academic year.
Admission application final deadline
The OUAC general application deadline is usually January 15 for fall admission — but earlier is better if you want to be fully considered for awards.
When results come out
Scholarship awards — both automatic and application‑based — are usually communicated alongside or soon after admission offers, with notification waves in late winter and spring.
Major Scholarship Dates You Should Know
National Scholarship Program
School nomination deadline: early October (e.g., October 10).
Deadline to apply for admission and be considered: typically mid‑October (e.g., October 17).
Student scholarship application deadline: usually late October (e.g., October 31).
Reference letters deadline: early November.
Selection interviews: often in February.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
School nomination deadline: by October 10.
Deadline for admission + Pearson consideration: around October 17.
Scholarship application/document submission deadline: early November (e.g., November 7).
Awards Profile
A central way for Canadian applicants to access additional awards.
Must be submitted by early February (often the same day as other key deadlines like financial aid profiles).
Automatic entrance awards
Most merit awards (like President’s Scholars of Excellence or U of T Scholars Program) do not require a separate application — but you must be admitted first, so meeting the OUAC deadlines is essential.
Why Timing Matters
Missing scholarship deadlines can mean missed opportunities — not because you aren’t qualified, but because U of T evaluates awards in specific rounds tied to admission and profile openings. Early applicants are often considered for multiple rounds of awards, while late submissions may only be considered for limited or residual funds.
Tips to Maximize Your Scholarship Chances
Start early and watch the calendar
Begin planning in the year before your intended start date — late summer/early fall — so you catch all the scholarship openings.
Note – Many awards open as early as September and October; missing these windows means losing opportunities.
Submit your OUAC application early
Aim to apply through OUAC by early November if possible, even though the January deadline is official.
Note – Early applications maximize your chances for nomination‑based awards and early rounds of recognition.
Complete the Awards Profile by early February
Canadian applicants should finish their Awards Profile no later than the early February deadline to be considered for a broad range of awards.
Note – The Awards Profile unlocks many scholarship opportunities that pure academic records alone won’t capture.
Check nomination requirements for key awards
For scholarships like the National and Pearson, confirm your school’s nomination process and deadlines well in advance.
Note – Schools may have their own internal deadlines before the U of T cut‑offs.
Gather references early
Have teacher or mentor references lined up before scholarship windows open — waiting too long can delay your submission.
Note – Reference letters often have separate deadlines after you submit your application.
Use Award Explorer strategically
Filter awards by deadline and eligibility to find which ones you can still apply for as dates move through the year.
Note – Some faculty or in‑course awards have later deadlines than entrance scholarships.
Submit required documents early
Transcripts, test scores, and profiles should meet early document deadlines to help ensure full consideration.
Note – Some deadlines for required documents fall before scholarship deadlines.
Apply to all eligible scholarships
Don’t limit yourself to one or two awards — apply to all scholarships you meet the criteria for.
Note – More applications increase your chances of winning multiple awards.
Highlight extracurricular leadership
Showcase leadership roles in clubs, volunteer organizations, or community projects to strengthen your scholarship application.
Note – Committees value students who contribute beyond academics.
Demonstrate community impact
Include measurable outcomes or examples of how your actions positively affected your community.
Note – Concrete impact stories make your application stand out.
Tailor your personal statement
Customize each essay or personal statement to reflect the specific values and goals of the scholarship.
Note – Generic essays rarely capture attention.
Focus on uniqueness
Share experiences, challenges, or achievements that are distinctively yours.
Note – Originality makes your profile memorable.
Demonstrate resilience
Show how you overcame obstacles, adapted, or grew from challenges — committees appreciate resilience.
Note – Real-life examples strengthen your narrative.
Maintain strong recommendation letters
Request letters early from mentors who can speak specifically about your character, leadership, and academic potential.
Note – Personalized letters carry more weight than generic ones.
Keep an updated CV or resume
Have a polished CV listing awards, activities, and achievements ready for scholarship submissions.
Note – A clean, organized CV makes application review easier.
Follow scholarship instructions precisely
Carefully read and follow all application instructions to avoid disqualification.
Note – Missing one detail can cost you a chance at the award.
Check eligibility criteria carefully
Ensure you meet all requirements before applying to avoid wasting time on ineligible scholarships.
Note – Eligibility includes grades, citizenship, program, or faculty restrictions.
Demonstrate a clear future vision
Explain your academic and career goals, showing how the scholarship aligns with your vision.
Note – Alignment with scholarship purpose impresses reviewers.
Show passion for your field
Express genuine enthusiasm and commitment to your intended area of study.
Note – Passion can outweigh minor academic weaknesses.
Demonstrate initiative
Include examples where you took initiative, solved problems, or created opportunities.
Note – Scholarships reward proactive thinkers.
Engage in meaningful projects
Highlight sustained, impactful projects rather than short-term participation.
Note – Depth of engagement matters more than quantity.
Attend scholarship workshops
Participate in online or school-based workshops to learn how to strengthen applications and essays.
Note – Guidance from experts increases your competitive edge.
Prepare for interviews
If the scholarship requires an interview, practice answers to common questions and present confidently.
Note – Interview performance can make or break high-stakes scholarships.
Official Links You Need as An Applicant
Here are the official links you need as an applicant if you’re aiming for scholarships at the University of Toronto (undergraduate, international, or graduate):
General Scholarship Resources
- U of T Admission Awards & Scholarships – Overview of entrance scholarships (automatic and application‑based), eligibility, and how awards are assessed:
future.utoronto.ca/admission-awards Future U of T - U of T Award Explorer – Search all scholarships offered by U of T (admissions, in‑course, faculty awards):
https://awardexplorer.utoronto.ca/ Award Explorer
🇨🇦 Canadian Student Scholarship Tools
- Awards Profile – Submit this (via the Join U of T applicant portal) to be considered for additional entrance awards based on leadership, community involvement, financial need, etc.:
future.utoronto.ca/awards-profile Future U of T - National Scholarship Program – U of T’s flagship scholarship for Canadian students (full tuition + fees + residence):
future.utoronto.ca/visit/events/national-scholars/ Future U of T
International Student Scholarships
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships – Prestigious scholarship for top international applicants (covers tuition, books, fees, and residence):
future.utoronto.ca/pearson-scholarships Future U of T Scholarships for International Students (general overview) – Admission awards and international scholarship information:
future.utoronto.ca/finances/awards/international-students/ Future U of T
Graduate Scholarships & Funding
Graduate Scholarships & Awards (School of Graduate Studies) – Domestic and international graduate funding, including deadlines and application details:
sgs.utoronto.ca/awards-funding/scholarships-awards/ School of Graduate Studies
Summary
The University of Toronto (U of T) offers a wide range of scholarships for both domestic and international students, recognizing academic excellence, leadership, community involvement, and financial need. These include automatic entrance awards, the prestigious National Scholarship for Canadian students, and the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship for outstanding international applicants.
Scholarships may be automatic based on admission averages or require applications, nominations, essays, and references. Canadian students can submit an Awards Profile to access additional awards. Graduate students have access to faculty-specific and external funding opportunities.
Deadlines are critical, with admissions and scholarship applications typically opening in September, key nomination deadlines in October–November, and the Awards Profile due by early February. Using tools like Award Explorer helps applicants find scholarships by eligibility and type. Proper planning, timely submission, and strong applications increase the chances of receiving financial support and recognition at U of T.
