Student Awards and Financial Aid

Indigenous Tuition Initiative

The University of Toronto has created a new Indigenous Tuition Initiative to foster and strengthen relationships between U of T and Indigenous communities in Ontario, across Canada, and in the United States. This initiative includes three programs:

  • The U of T Indigenous Tuition Grant covers the cost of tuition in eligible undergraduate and graduate programs for students from the nine identified First Nations communities;

  • Indigenous students from the rest of Canada may be eligible for domestic Ontario tuition fee; and

  • Native American/Alaska Native students from the continental U.S.A. may be eligible for domestic Ontario tuition fee.

About Student Awards

Student awards, also known as scholarships and grants, are non-repayable monetary awards issued based on criteria such as merit, financial need, community engagement, leadership and athletic performance.

The University of Toronto offers thousands of student awards annually based on a variety of eligibility criteria. A number of these awards are dedicated to self-identifying Indigenous (First Nation, Inuit and Métis) students. For example, the President’s Award for the Outstanding Indigenous Student of the Year are presented to students of Indigenous ancestry (Status, Non-Status, Inuit, Métis). This is just one of hundreds of award opportunities across our tri-campus system. Read on to learn more.

Admissions Awards

Admission awards are for newly admitted students entering the University of Toronto in year one of their undergraduate studies. Applicants are automatically considered for a variety of awards. Some require the completion of a separate application or awards profile while others do not.

Read more about Admissions Awards.

National Scholarship

The National Scholarship program recognizes original and creative thinkers, community leaders, and high academic achievers. It is the University’s most prestigious award for Canadian high school students entering the university.

Learn more about the National Scholarship.

Awards Profile

The Awards Profile makes it possible for applicants to be considered for awards based on financial need, leadership, and other criteria. Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, and Convention Refugees currently studying in a Canadian high school may be eligible to submit an Awards Profile. Students can access the Awards Profile after they submit their OUAC application.

 

Awards for Indigenous Students

Completing the Awards Profile will also put you into consideration for these awards for Indigenous applicants:

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U of T Engineering Entrance Scholarship for Indigenous Students

This award is open to Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) applicants. Domestic tuition plus stipend x 4 years (renewable).

Colonel F. A. Tilston Admission Scholarship

The late Colonel F.A. Tilston established admission scholarships for students entering the First Year of the Doctor of Pharmacy program, with the highest admission index, and who have not received an admission award of greater value. One of these scholarships will be awarded to an Indigenous student.

William Buttimer Entrance Scholarship

Awarded to an academically strong student entering any undergraduate program in the Faculty with a goal to enhance diversity (female, indigenous student).

Bennett Scholars

To be awarded to full-time, undergraduate students at the University of Toronto on the basis of financial need with preference given to students with indigenous backgrounds or whose parents did not attend university or college.

Tom Mitchinson and David Connolly Award

To be awarded to an Aboriginal (Indian, Metis, Inuit) undergraduate student on the basis of financial need who will be studying full-time in the social sciences or humanities in the Faculty of Arts and Science. Students receiving financial assistance from a First Nation or other similar aboriginal funding source will not be eligible for this award. The award will be renewable for up to four (4) years to enable the student to complete an undergraduate degree, provided that the student is in good academic standing each year and continues to be enrolled on a full-time basis.

The Victoria Annual Fund Award

Awarded to newly-admitted Indigenous or First Generation students of Victoria College who have demonstrated financial need. Some of these awards are renewable for Second, Third and Fourth Year if the status of "In Good Standing" is maintained.

General Motors Admission Award

Awarded to a newly-admitted Indigenous student on the basis of financial need and academic excellence. Renewable for Second, Third and Fourth Year if the status of "In Good Standing" is maintained.

A.L. Cochrane Scholarship

Awarded to newly admitted Victoria College students who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Colour), for each of four years, provided the recipient remains in good academic standing. Preference will be given to students with financial need and to Indigenous students or those from Northern Ontario. Recipients must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Innis Admission Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples

To be awarded to outstanding Indigenous Peoples in Canada (i.e. First Nations, Inuit and Métis) admitted to the first year of studies in the Faculty of Arts & Science at Innis College.

 

Within Reach

We know that financing a university education is no small undertaking. It may involve a mix of financial resources, ranging from student awards to government grants to part-time employment. At U of T, our goal is to help students bring their dream of a university education within reach.

Access our Guide to Financing Your University of Toronto Experience. (PDF)

About Financial Aid

The University has comprehensive scholarship and financial aid programs that provide financial support and recognition for outstanding academic achievement at different levels of study. The University, and its colleges and faculties, award 5,000+ admission scholarships that total almost $23 million each year, along with 5,800 in-course scholarships. Our policy is that no student admitted to a program at the University of Toronto will be unable to enrol or complete the program because they do not have sufficient funds. This commitment to students who are Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents or Protected Persons means that the University will supplement the funding provided by government sources.

OSAP and Canadian Government Aid

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a government financial aid program made up of a mix of grants and loans. Once you apply and qualify for OSAP, you’ll be considered automatically for other sources of funding, like UTAPS. If you’re from another Canadian province, territory, or First Nations band, you can apply for aid through your government’s financial aid program or your First Nations band.

University of Toronto Financial Aid

University of Toronto financial aid programs (UTAPS) fill the financial gap for eligible full-time students who receive the maximum amount of government financial aid available but whose government funding and other assessed financial resources do not cover all assessed university costs. UTAPS funding varies depending on student need. Learn more about UTAPS.

Band Funding

The University of Toronto accepts Band funding. Contact your Band’s Education Office or Coordination team to inquire about available funding to support your postsecondary ambitions.

 
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University Costs

Across Canada, university fees consist of tuition, incidental and ancillary fees, and are based on several factors. At the University of Toronto, the amount of tuition you pay will depend on your program, year of study, course load, and campus. In addition to tuition, your fees will also include incidental and ancillary fees, which cover things like student societies, campus-based services, athletics and recreation facilities, and student health and dental plans.

Look up tuition fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I apply for OSAP?

    The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a government financial aid program that assists eligible Ontario residents attending university through a combination of loans and grants. Learn more: ontario.ca/osap

  • How do I apply for scholarships?

    Eligible high school students are automatically considered for a variety of admission scholarships when they apply to the University. There are also admissions scholarships that require a separate application, and others that require you to complete an awards profile.

  • What is the Awards Profile?

    The Awards Profile is each applicant’s best opportunity to make themselves eligible for a wide range of awards with a single application, including awards for Black students, Indigenous students, Convention refugees, service members, economically disadvantaged applicants, and more.

    To create an Awards Profile, you first need access to the JOIN U of T applicant portal. Self-identification is voluntary and kept confidential.

  • What is UTAPS?

    The University of Toronto is the only Ontario post-secondary institution to provide non-repayable grants over and above what is required by government. Through UTAPS, U of T not only helps students with tuition and book costs not covered by government student aid, but with living costs too.

  • How will an award affect my OSAP funding?

    You should report any award or scholarship funding you are expecting to OSAP when you complete your application. If you find out about an award after you have applied for OSAP, upload a letter in the “Print/Upload” section of your account on the the OSAP website to update them. Your OSAP application will be updated and you will be notified of any changes in your funding.

  • If the award is renewable, what grade should I maintain?

    Unless otherwise noted in the terms of your award, your academic status must remain “in good standing” as defined by the academic division that is admitting you.