University of Toronto Scarborough: Scholarships & Strategies for Success

The University of Toronto is unique among Canadian universities in providing our students with an assurance of financial support. At the University of Toronto Scarborough we have allocated approximately $2.3 million worth of financial support (scholarships and aid programs) for students attending our university. If you want to get access to some of this money, read on to learn more about the scholarships offered at U of T Scarborough, as well as, strategies you can use to increase your chances of a successful scholarship outcome.
 
Admissions Scholarships
Admissions scholarships at U of T fall into two categories: (1) automatic consideration, and (2) those requiring an application. There are 19 major scholarships at U of T Scarborough. The criterion for these scholarships includes some or all of the following: academic achievement, community involvement, leadership initiatives, and financial assistance based on need. The President’s Entrance Scholarship is one example of an automatic consideration entrance scholarship which guarantees students enrolling in first year at U of T at least $2000. These are available to domestic students studying at a Canadian secondary school or CEGEP with an admission average of 92 percent or better, and who have completed each of the subjects required with at least an 'A' standing.

Scholarships which require an application such as the National Scholarship are based on academic excellence, coupled with creativity, intellectual enthusiasm and school/community involvement. Recipients of this scholarship are awarded the full amount of their tuition while at U of T, residence in their first year, as well as a renewable cash award. While, the Avie Bennett Award for students in Arts or Science programs also requires an application, this award is based on both financial need and excellence in the arts or athletics. There are 100 awards with a value of $5000 each.

More information about U of T Scarborough admissions scholarships can be found on the Admissions & Student Recruitment website - Financing section.

Scholarships after first year
Beyond first year, there are many different In-Course Scholarships and Awards. Some are automatically awarded, and others are based on nomination or application. Some scholarships have specific eligibility requirements. For example, the University of Toronto Scarborough prize in biology is awarded to a full time student entering his/her 4th year of the specialist program in biological sciences. This award is based on academic excellence, with an emphasis placed on achievement in the 3rd year of study. Another example is the Norman F. Brown Memorial Award in the Humanities awarded to a student in the second or third year of a program in the department of humanities. This award is also based on academic achievement.

More information about In-Course scholarships can be found on the Scarborough campus Registrar’s Office website Financial Aid & Awards section.

Strategies for Success
Now that you know the types of scholarships available, and what some of the criteria are, here are some strategies to help you with your scholarship applications:
-    Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements to ensure you don’t waste time and resources when applying.
-    Apply early! The deadlines for scholarships are often earlier than students expect them to be.
-    Don’t underestimate yourself. Many students do not apply for scholarships because they think they will not get the scholarship. You’ll never know unless you try.
-    Get involved early. The more involved you are, the more material you will have to sell yourself on your applications. It doesn’t all have to be through your high school. Activities in your    community,   work place, etc. also count.
-    Make sure to fill out every component of your scholarship application and proofread your application. 
-    Two words: time management. With all your extracurricular activities, and your school work, you will need to find a balance. Not only will this help you with your applications, you’ll also be preparing yourself for university!
-    There are scholarships everywhere, not just from universities; research opportunities that might exist with private companies, not-for-profit organizations, etc. to give yourself more options.

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