Prestigious International Scholarships

The following highly competitive international scholarships may be of interest to students who have excelled in their academic and co-curricular pursuits during their time at the University of Toronto. While not exhaustive, the listing below provides a summary of prestigious scholarships that support further study outside of Canada.

AwardDescription and Selection CriteriaApplication Timeline and ContentsEligibilityInstitutional Letter of Endorsement?Interview for Finalists?
Gates Cambridge Scholarship websiteFull funding for one to four years of study in any field, leading to a graduate degree at Cambridge University.

Selection Criteria:
-Academic excellence
-Leadership potential
-Commitment to improving lives of others
-Good academic fit with Cambridge
Early September depending on Course

Application Contents:
-Personal statement (500 words)
-Resume
-3 reference submissions (2 academic, 1 Gates Cambridge)
-Research proposal (PhD applicants only)
-Any nationality other than UK
-No age limit
-Certain Cambridge courses (e.g. MD and second BA) are not eligible
NoYes – late March
Knight-Hennessy ScholarsFull-funding to pursue a graduate degree in any field at Stanford University.

Selection Criteria:
-Independence of Thought
-Purposeful Leadership
-Civic Mindset
Early October

Application Contents:
-Background information
-Resume (1 page)
-2 letters of reference
-Short answer responses
-Transcripts
-All citizenships
-Any full-time graduate degree
-Must complete your first bachelor’s degree before enrolling at Stanford
NoYes – early Feb
The Rhodes ScholarshipFull scholarship for 1 – 3 years of study at Oxford University. Scholars may pursue a variety of programs.

Selection Criteria:
-Exceptional intellectual and academic attainment, integrity of character, sympathy for and protection of the weak,
ability to lead, energy to use their talents to the full
Late July – Global* + India
Late September – Canada*
Early October – US*
Mid October- China

* U of T has an internal selection process for these Rhodes competitions with an early June deadline.

Application Contents (varies by constituency):
-Personal statement (1,000 words)
-CV/ Resume
-Transcripts
-6 letters of reference (2+ character, 3 academic)
-All citizenships covered by 22 designated constituencies (64 countries) and Global
-Educational residency requirements
-Age limit (24 for most scholarships)
-Must complete first degree before taking up scholarship
Yes – for Canada, US and Global competitions only. Yes
Oct – China
Oct/Nov – India
Nov – Canada
Nov – Global
Nov - US
Schwarzman Scholars

Contact U of T’s Centre for International Experience for additional information.
One-year Master’s degree at Tsinghua University.

Selection Criteria Includes:
-Academic excellence and intellectual ability
-Leadership ability and sustained leadership experience
- Empathy & intercultural competency, open mindedness and entrepreneurial spirit 
Late September
May (citizens/residents of PRC, Hong Kong, Taiwan or Macao only)

Application Contents:
-Letters of reference (2 academic, 1 leadership)
-Leadership essay (750 words)
-Statement of purpose (500 words)
-1 Short answer response
-Video introduction
-Transcripts
-Resume
-Any citizenship
-Age limit is 28
-No specific field of UGRD study required
-Open to students with previous graduate degrees
NoYes
Yenching ScholarsFull funding to pursue an interdisciplinary Master’s in China Studies at PKU.

Selection Criteria Includes: -Outstanding academic record -Demonstrated leadership -Active in extracurricular activities -Social responsibility, moral character
Early December

Application Contents:
- Personal statement (750 words)

- Statement of research interest (1500 words)
-Resume
- Diploma(s) or certificate(s) of enrollment
-Transcripts
-2 letters of recommendation
- English proficiency test
-No person over 28 years of age has been selected -PRC passport holders are not eligible
- Bachelor’s degree or currently enrolled in a degree program
YesYes