If studying at one of the world’s top universities has always been your dream, this guide is for you. The University of Toronto (U of T) — ranked among the best public research universities globally — offers a wide range of scholarships, fellowships, and financial awards for both domestic and international graduate students in 2026.
Whether you are planning to pursue a Master’s degree, a PhD, or postdoctoral research, U of T’s School of Graduate Studies (SGS) has funding options designed to support students at every stage of their academic journey. This article covers all the key opportunities you need to know about.
🎓 Scholarship Overview
The University of Toronto’s School of Graduate Studies administers a large portfolio of awards and scholarships. These range from merit-based fellowships to need-based bursaries, and from government-funded programs to prestigious corporate partnerships like Google and Apple.
Awards are available across several categories:
- Admissions awards (for new students)
- In-course awards (for currently enrolled students)
- Completion awards (for students finishing their degrees)
- Postdoctoral awards (for early-career researchers)
- Government-funded awards
- International student awards
- Travel and conference grants
This makes U of T one of the most financially supportive graduate institutions in Canada.
🎓 Benefits & Funding
The value of scholarships varies widely depending on the program. Here are some highlights:
- Connaught International Scholarship — A top-up scholarship provided in addition to your regular program funding, designed to help international doctoral students cover living and study costs at U of T
- Google PhD Fellowship — Supports outstanding PhD students conducting cutting-edge research in computer science and AI-related fields. Award values vary by cohort
- Apple Scholars in AI/ML — Recognises exceptional PhD students in machine learning and artificial intelligence from institutions worldwide
- Adel S. Sedra Distinguished Graduate Award — Up to CAD $25,000 for one doctoral student demonstrating outstanding academic achievement and leadership. Finalists receive CAD $1,000 each
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) — A merit-based provincial scholarship available to graduate students in all disciplines across Ontario universities
- China Scholarship Council (CSC) – U of T Joint Program — Supports up to 15 Chinese PhD students (up to 48 months) and 5 visiting PhD students (up to 24 months) annually
- Taiwan–U of T Scholarship — A co-funded PhD scholarship for Taiwanese students, supporting up to 5 doctoral students per year from 2026–2027 to 2030–2031
- Mackenzie King Travelling Scholarship — Approximately CAD $15,000 for Canadian graduates pursuing studies in international or industrial relations in the USA or UK
- Mackenzie King Open Scholarship — Approximately CAD $13,000 for Canadian graduates pursuing any discipline anywhere in the world
- SGS Conference Grant — Covers conference registration fees for students presenting their research internationally
- SGS Research Travel Grant — Financial support for PhD and SJD students in Humanities or Social Sciences who need to travel for research purposes
- SGS Parental Grant — Up to 12 months of financial support for doctoral students taking approved parental leave
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility varies by award, but here are general requirements across most programs:
- Must be accepted into or currently enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Toronto
- Most doctoral scholarships require full-time enrollment in a PhD or SJD program
- English proficiency: U of T requires proof of English language ability for international applicants. Accepted tests include IELTS (minimum 6.5 overall) and TOEFL iBT (minimum 93). Requirements may vary by department
- Some awards are restricted by citizenship (e.g. CSC scholarship is for Chinese nationals; Taiwan–U of T Scholarship is for Taiwanese students)
- Several awards — such as Google PhD Fellowship and Apple Scholars — require institutional nomination
- Need-based bursaries such as SGS Emergency Grant and Massey College Bursaries consider financial circumstances
🎓 Who Should Apply
These scholarships are ideal for:
- International students who have been admitted to or are planning to apply for a Master’s or PhD program at U of T
- PhD students in STEM, AI, computer science, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences
- Students from China, Taiwan, Ghana, Mexico, and other countries with bilateral scholarship agreements
- Early-career researchers looking for postdoctoral funding at a world-class institution
- Students facing financial hardship who need emergency or supplementary support
Who should NOT apply:
- Students not enrolled in or accepted to a U of T graduate program
- Undergraduate students (most awards are for graduate level only)
- Students who do not meet the specific citizenship or field requirements of individual awards
🎓 Available Programs & Positions
The scholarships cover a broad range of academic fields including:
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Computer Science & Engineering
- Natural Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- Health & Medical Sciences
- Social Sciences & Humanities
- Law (SJD program)
- International & Industrial Relations
- Interdisciplinary Research
Programs are available at both Master’s and Doctoral (PhD) levels, with additional options for postdoctoral researchers.
🎓 Required Documents
Specific requirements differ by award, but commonly requested documents include:
- Official academic transcripts
- Statement of purpose or research proposal
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or academic resume
- Two to three letters of recommendation from faculty supervisors
- Proof of admission to a U of T graduate program
- English language test scores (IELTS or TOEFL) for international applicants
- Evidence of research outputs (publications, conference presentations) where applicable
🎓 Application Process
The application process at U of T depends on the specific award:
- Search the Awards Database — Visit the SGS awards search portal and filter by citizenship, degree level, award type, and deadline
- Check eligibility — Read each award’s criteria carefully before applying
- Apply through your graduate unit — Many awards require a nomination from your department or faculty supervisor
- Submit online application — For self-nominated awards, complete the application form through the SGS online portal
- Await results — Results timelines vary by competition; check the SGS website for specific deadlines
Some prestigious programs like the Google PhD Fellowship and Apple Scholars in AI/ML require an institutional nomination from U of T — meaning your department must first recommend you.
🎓 Important Dates
Deadlines vary by award and competition cycle. Students are strongly advised to:
- Check the official SGS awards search portal regularly
- Set reminders for deadlines well in advance
- Confirm with your graduate unit for internally nominated awards
Visit the official awards calendar at: https://www.sgs.utoronto.ca/awards/
🎓 Why Apply / Why Study at University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is consistently ranked among the top 25 universities in the world. Here is why it stands out:
- A world-class research environment with access to leading faculty across all disciplines
- Located in Toronto, Canada — one of the most diverse and welcoming cities for international students
- Strong alumni network with global career opportunities
- Generous financial support ecosystem with dozens of awards for all types of students
- Partnerships with top organisations like Google, Apple, and Schmidt Sciences offering unique PhD fellowships
- A vibrant campus life with resources, communities, and support systems for international students
Studying at U of T is not just a degree — it is an investment in your global academic and professional future.
🎓 Official Source
For the full list of scholarships, eligibility details, and online application:
👉 University of Toronto – SGS Scholarships & Awards Portal
🎓 Scholarship Summary
| Detail | Information |
| University | University of Toronto |
| Location | Toronto, Canada |
| Level | Master’s, PhD, Postdoctoral |
| Open To | International & Domestic Students |
| Award Value | CAD $1,000 – $25,000+ (varies by award) |
| Fields | All disciplines |
| English Required | Yes (IELTS / TOEFL) |
| Official Portal | sgs.utoronto.ca/awards |
Explore more fully funded scholarship opportunities at https://gradualin.com/category/scholarships/
Related reads on Gradualin:
- Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada 2026
- How to Write a Strong Scholarship Statement of Purpose
- Top Scholarships in the UK for International Students 2026
