Funding/Awards
Internal Funding Information for Incoming Creative Writing Master of Fine Arts Students
The Constance Rooke Scholarship
(Granted upon admittance to the program; every accepted candidate receives this award.) Upon acceptance to the Creative Writing Master of Fine Arts Program, each writer is granted a Constance Rooke Scholarship. This scholarship provides each writer with a total of $10,000.00 in funding over a two-year period, which is the duration of the program. In year one of study, a writer receives $5,000.00, and in year two of study, an additional $5,000.00. In both years of study, the $5,000.00 is allocated at the beginning of each semester (Fall, Winter and Spring/Summer) in lump sums of $1666.66. While this funding does cover a good deal of tuition, it does not cover all expenses.
The Constance Rooke/HarperCollins Scholarship
Every year, one incoming writer is awarded The Constance Rooke/HarperCollins Scholarship. The recipient is selected by the program’s director, Catherine Bush, and core faculty (who also decide who will be admitted to the program); all writers accepted into the program are considered for this award. (There is no formal application.) This scholarship has been generously donated by the HarperCollins Canada and the award amount is $5,000.00, allocated on a yearly basis.
The McClelland & Stewart Ltd. Scholarship
Every year, one incoming writer is awarded The McClelland & Stewart Ltd. Scholarship. The recipient is selected by the program’s director and core faculty (who also decide who will be admitted to the program), and all writers accepted into the program are considered for this award. (Again, there is no formal application.) This scholarship has been generously donated by McClelland & Stewart Ltd. and the award amount is $2,500.00, allocated on a yearly basis.
The Edward Y. Morwick Graduate Scholarship in Creative Writing
The $3,500 Edward Y. Morwick Graduate Scholarship in Creative Writing is usually awarded to an entering graduate student who is registered full-time in the Creative Writing Program. This award is meant to encourage and reward a student who has shown developing skill and dedication to the craft of Creative Writing. The recipient must exhibit excellence in Creative Writing as evidenced by the portfolio submitted to the Creative Writing admissions committee. No application is necessary.
The Griffin Trust for Excellence in Poetry Award
Every year, two poets are granted this award. The poet may be in his/her first or second year of study. This award is allocated to two poets: both recipients receive a $2,500.00 award, donated by The Griffin Trust for Excellence in Poetry. Recipients are nominated for this award by program faculty.
Additional Funding Opportunities
Bursaries
The University of Guelph has established a number of ACCESS awards which provide bursaries for students in financial need. To be eligible for these bursaries, students must complete a needs assessment application available from Student Financial Services, or check the website: www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/studentfinance/index.cfm.
External Scholarships
The main sources of external funding for MA students are the Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program (OGS), and the SSHRC/CGS Master’s Scholarships. MA students are strongly encouraged to apply for all sources of external funding for which they are eligible. For more information about terms and conditions of these awards, please consult the respective websites:
OGS: https://osap.gov.on.ca/eng/not_secure/ogsapply.htm
SSHRC: www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/funding-financement/programs-programmes/fellowships/doctoral-doctorat-eng.aspx
***The program has a relationship with the Humber Writing Centre: each semester two Creative Writing MFA students are hired as writing tutors by the Centre. From time to time, we also have Teaching Assistantship opportunities made available to our students.
For more information, please contact Meaghan Strimas, CW MFA Administrative Assistant: mstrimas@uoguelph.ca or 647.459.1331.
