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.
| AWARD | DESCRIPTION AND SELECTION CRITERIA | APPLICATION TIMELINE AND CONTENTS | ELIGIBILITY | INSTITUTIONAL LETTER OF ENDORSEMENT? | INTERVIEW FOR FINALISTS? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gates Cambridge Scholarship | Full 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 | No | Yes – late March |
| Knight-Hennessy Scholars | Full-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 -2 x 1,000 word essays -Video statement | -All citizenships -Any full-time graduate degree -Must complete your first bachelor’s degree before enrolling at Stanford | No | Yes – early Feb |
| The Rhodes Scholarship | Full 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 | 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 | No | Yes |
| Yenching Scholars | Full 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) -Resume -Transcripts -2 letters of recommendation | -No person over 28 years of age has been selected -PRC passport holders are not eligible | Yes | Yes |
