Scholarships & Bursaries
Use the Award Search Tools to see what scholarships and bursaries are available for U of G students or scroll down to learn more about what each entails.
Scholarships
The University of Guelph has an extremely generous scholarship program that recognizes academic achievements and supports students in their continuation of study. In 2023-24, U of G students were awarded $28.4 million in scholarships.
Scholarships are given on the basis of meritorious achievement and can include things like extra-curricular activities, demonstrated leadership ability and volunteerism. Recipients are acknowledged for their past achievements, and the reward is given to encourage further study and accomplishment. This means that students must be registered to receive their scholarship. Many scholarships at the University of Guelph do not require students to apply, but some require an application.
It is understood that merit award winners' names will be released to donors and may be published as a condition of the award.
Entrance scholarships are monetary awards given to students that demonstrate one or more of the following: academic excellence; leadership abilities; extra-curricular involvement and research proposals. Some entrance scholarships require students to apply, but many are awarded automatically based on the student's admission average.
Undergraduate (Canadian/PR)
The University of Guelph attracts a community of outstanding scholars to its broad range of undergraduate programs. Students are encouraged to review our step-by-step entrance award instructions below to maximize awards they can be considered for. Students should not wait for an offer of admission to apply for scholarships as the deadline dates to apply for these are early in the calendar year.
Undergraduate (International/Non-Canadian)
Internationalism is a big part of our Guelph community, and we have an entrance scholarship program to support students paying international fees who have demonstrated academic excellence. A limited number of renewable international scholarships ranging in total values from $18,500 to $21,500 CDN are available to students who have not attended post-secondary studies and are entering the University of Guelph in September. In addition, there is a limited number of $5,500 scholarships offered to students who have not attended post-secondary studies and are entering the University of Guelph in September for their first year of studies only. Students do not need to apply to be considered as offers will be made on the basis of the student's admission file.
Graduate
Most entrance awards are offered to students upon admission to one of our graduate programs and are based on the student's admission application. You should contact the department for which you are seeking admission as well as utilize our graduate award online search to see a listing University of Guelph approved awards.
In addition, prospective students are encouraged to review the information on the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website regarding graduate funding and external award opportunities.
We are committed to rewarding academic excellence and outstanding achievements of our current students.
Undergraduate
In 2023-24, the University of Guelph awarded $5.7 million in upper-year scholarships. Students must complete at least one semester of studies at U of G to be considered for in-course scholarships.
International Undergraduate
Most of our upper-year scholarships are available to International students. We're looking to reward academic excellence and, in most cases, this is not limited to Canadian citizens or permanent residents. International students are encouraged to use the award search to identify awards of interest. Only the specific award descriptions that indicate citizenship in the eligibility would exclude International students from being considered for the award or from applying to that particular award.
Graduate
In 2023-24, the University of Guelph awarded $7.7 million in graduate scholarships to currently registered students. Students already registered in a graduate degree program at U of G are encouraged to review the full listing of scholarships.
International Graduate
International students are encouraged to utilize the award search to identify awards of interest. Only the specific award descriptions that indicate citizenship in the eligibility would exclude International students from being considered for the award or from applying to that particular scholarship.
At the University of Guelph, we believe that the educational experience of university should be open to every student who is academically qualified. The University works towards this goal by offering services for students with disabilities, by removing barriers and by encouraging healthy, open communication among faculty, staff and students.
Students with a Disability: Definitions
A permanent disability is any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment — or a functional limitation — that restricts the ability of a person to perform the daily activities necessary to pursue studies at the postsecondary school level or to participate in the labour force and that is expected to remain with the person for the person’s expected life.
A persistent or prolonged disability is any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment — or a functional limitation — that restricts the ability of a person to perform the daily activities necessary to pursue studies at the postsecondary school level or to participate in the labour force and has lasted, or is expected to last, for a period of at least 12 months, and is not a permanent disability.
University of Guelph Scholarships
Students with a permanent disability or a persistent or prolonged disability must be registered in a minimum 40% course load to receive a scholarship when the terms of the scholarship require full-time registration. If you are taking a reduced course load and are receiving a scholarship, you must submit documentation of a permanent disability or a persistent or prolonged disability to the SAS Office and have your advisor or counsellor email the Student Awards Office at awards@uoguelph.ca to confirm your status.
Students are encouraged to use our award search for a listing of awards they may be eligible to receive.
The University of Guelph has a long-standing commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion on our campuses. One of the initiatives highlighted in the University's action plan is to create new awards for students who are First Nations, Inuit and Métis as well as Black, Persons of Colour or Racialized Students.
For a detailed list of available scholarships and other financial aid programs, visit the Financial Support for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Students and Black, Persons of Colour or Racialized Students webpage.
Apply for Scholarships
High School-Type Students Entering Semester One
Eligibility
Selection of award winners is based on the admission average as calculated by Admission Services. In addition, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
- You must be entering post-secondary studies for the first time.
Fall 2026 Entrance Scholarships, Based on Admission Average, for All Degree Programs
| Admission Average | Award Amount |
|---|---|
| 90.0% - 94.9% | $1,000 |
| 95.0% and greater | $2,000 |
All Canadian citizens/PR entering the 1st semester of post-secondary studies for the first time with a minimum 90.0% admission average applying to the University of Guelph are automatically considered for a University of Guelph Entrance Scholarship. The scholarship offer will be made with the offer of admission to students who qualify. Whether a scholarship offer is made with an admission offer or not, all eligible students will be re-considered in May and August and have the opportunity to qualify or better their award.
Students who do not make the minimum grade for a guaranteed scholarship will still be considered for all other entrance awards. These include entrance bursaries, need-based scholarships, and/or program-specific scholarships the University may offer.
Scholarship payments are split into two equal payments and applied to the University of Guelph's student account as payment toward tuition for the fall and winter semesters. This scholarship is awarded for the first year of study only and full-time registration (minimum 2.0 credits) is required in both semesters to receive the full scholarship amount.
The University of Guelph Entrance Scholarship can be held concurrently with other entrance scholarships offered by the University of Guelph, with the exception of the President's Scholarship, Lincoln Alexander Chancellor's Scholarship, and Board of Governors' Scholarship.
The University reserves the right to change its scholarship programs without notice.
Step-by-Step Entrance Awards Process
To maximize all entrance awards that the University of Guelph will consider me for I should:
- Apply for admission to the University of Guelph.
- Review the criteria and application process for the President's Scholarships and Lincoln Alexander Chancellor's Scholarships.
- Complete the Entrance Financial Need Assessment Form no later than April 15. An offer of admission is not required to complete this application.
- Look for awards requiring an application using the award search.
University's Responsibilities
The University will accept and review your application for admission and provide Student Financial Services with your admission average and application status. This information will be used to:
- Consider you for a University of Guelph Entrance Scholarship.
- Assess your financial situation based on the information you provided on the Entrance Financial Need Assessment Form.
- Send you an email before the end of May confirming all entrance awards being offered to you. This email will provide you with a detailed explanation of the award(s) being offered to you, the value of the award(s), and the conditions of the award(s).
Please consult Chapter 9 of the Undergraduate Calendar for eligibility requirements and definitions.
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Students
For details about scholarships for entering DVM students, including scholarship value and application requirements, visit the DVM section of the award search tool.
Transfer Students
Transfer students are eligible for in-course scholarships. The award search tool provides a list of all in-course scholarships available to undergraduate students. Application deadlines and eligibility criteria vary.
Please consult Chapter 9 of the Undergraduate Calendar for eligibility requirements and definitions.
My Responsibilities for Scholarships
- Use the award search to identify awards that require an application and follow the application instructions specific to those awards. Search now for Scholarships.
My Responsibilities for Need-based Scholarships
- Apply for OSAP (or the appropriate home provincial/territory student assistance program).
- Complete one In-Course Financial Need Assessment Form (NAF) per study period.
- Use the award search to identify awards that require an application in addition to the In-Course NAF (e.g. Apply By Letter) and submit the documentation along with your NAF. Search now for Need-based Scholarships.
University's Responsibilities
We will notify scholarship recipients by email or letter with the award details.
Fall 2026 Entrance Scholarships, Based on Admission Average, for All Degree Programs
International students entering post-secondary studies for the first time and registering in the first semester of a degree program in the fall semester.
| Admission Average* | Current Value for Fall 2026 (year 1) | Annual Renewal Amount (years 2, 3 and 4)** | Overall 4 Year total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95.0% and greater | $9,500 | $4,000 | $21,500 |
| 90.0% - 94.9% | $8,500 | $4,000 | $20,500 |
| 85.0% - 89.9% | $7,500 | $4,000 | $19,500 |
| 80.0% - 84.9% | $6,500 | $4,000 | $18,500 |
| 75.0% - 79.9% | $5,500 (Year 1 only) | Not Eligible | N/A |
*Eligibility will be based on the admission offer average calculated by the University of Guelph’s Admission Services. U of G will determine averages for applicants who are not studying in a Canadian secondary school curriculum based on curriculum, grading practices and grading scale interpretation.
**Students admitted with an 80.0% or higher admission average are eligible to receive a $4,000 award in years 2, 3 and 4 if all renewal criteria (see below) are met each year.
Students' Responsibilities
- Submit an application for admission.
- Ensure that my admission application is complete and all documents are received as requested by Admission Services, University of Guelph.
University's Responsibilities
- Consider your application for admission and your scholarship eligibility when the required curriculum-specific supporting documentation, as stated on the Admission Services website, is received. Successful recipients will be informed of their scholarship with their offer of admission.
- Apply the scholarship to your U of G student account in two equal payments over the fall and winter semesters.
Conditions of Entrance Scholarships
- Recipients must register full-time (minimum 2.0 credits) for both the fall and winter semesters in year 1.
- Recipients must pay the International student tuition and fees.
Renewal Criteria
- Does not apply to Admission Average 75.0% - 79.9%
- Recipients must remain registered in full-time studies and achieve a minimum 80.0% average in their previous academic year of full-time study (typically fall/winter).
- Recipients must continue to pay the International student tuition and fees.
Students who fail to qualify for a continuing payment may re-qualify by subsequently obtaining an 80.0% or better average in the previous academic year of full-time study. Payments lost cannot be added to the end of the award period.
NOTE: Entrance scholarships cannot be deferred. Students who defer their offer of admission are reconsidered the following year based on the availability of scholarship for that cohort.
Dr. Franco J. Vaccarino President’s Scholarship
Entering international students should also review the eligibility criteria and application process for the Dr. Franco J. Vaccarino President’s Scholarship, the University of Guelph's top scholarship for an entering international student.
My Responsibilities for Scholarships
- Use the award search to identify awards that require an application and follow the application instructions specific to those awards.
My Responsibilities for Need-based Scholarships
- Complete the Undergraduate International Student Financial Need Assessment Form (NAF)
- Use the award search to identify awards that require an application in addition to the NAF (e.g. Apply by Letter) and submit the documentation along with your NAF.
- International students are not eligible for bursaries and OSOTF/OTSS scholarships.
University's Responsibilities
We will notify scholarship recipients by email or letter with the award details.
Most entrance awards are offered to students upon admission to a graduate programs and are based on the student's admission application. You should contact the department for which you are seeking admission as well as utilize our graduate award online search to see a listing University of Guelph approved awards. Students must be registered full-time to be eligible for all internal awards unless otherwise stated in the specific award qualifications.
In addition, prospective students are encouraged to review the information on the Office of Graduate Studies regarding graduate funding and external award opportunities.
Graduate scholarships are available to students registered in full-time studies unless the terms and condition of the scholarship specifically state part-time students are eligible.
Currently registered students are encouraged to utilize the Graduate Award Search tool to review scholarships offered by the University of Guelph. Scholarships with a financial need component always require full-time registration and will require students to submit a Financial Need Assessment Form to Student Financial Services as part of the application process.
In addition, students should review external scholarship opportunities listed on the Office of Graduate Studies website.
Students can access funding from outside of the University, from companies, agencies, etc.
The processes for applying to these three major external scholarships include involvement from the University of Guelph:
| Scholarship | University Role | University of Guelph Contact |
|---|---|---|
| McCall MacBain Scholarships | The McCall MacBain Scholarships program requires the University to confirm each applicant from Guelph (graduating student or recent graduate) meets the minimum threshold for endorsement. That minimum threshold is good standing in terms of academics and overall conduct. | avpa@uoguelph.ca |
| Rhodes Scholarship | The Rhodes Trust requires applicants to possess an endorsement from their current university (or alma mater for recent graduates). The University of Guelph has an internal selection process to determine who will or will not be offered an endorsement letter. | avpa@uoguelph.ca |
| Fessenden-Trott Scholarships | The Fessenden-Trott scholarships were established in memory of the late Professor Reginald Aubrey Fessenden and the late Helen May Fessenden (née Trott). These scholarships are valued at $9,000 annually for three years (or until the scholar obtains their first degree). Each year, these scholarships are offered to a different region of Canada. In 2025, nominations were accepted from universities in the Ontario provinces. Each university in Ontario may nominate one student. The University of Guelph will accepting applications and will select one student to nominate. Students submit their application to Scholarship Partners Canada. Students must meet the following criteria to apply:
The deadline to apply was June 4, 2025 by 1:00 PM EST. If you have any questions about the application, please contact Scholarship Partners Canada. | awards@uoguelph.ca |
Please see the External Scholarship Opportunities website for information about organizations that offer external scholarships that do not require involvement from the University of Guelph. This is not a comprehensive list of all available external scholarships. For this reason, students may also wish to visit external sites that provide information about other scholarships and awards, such as these examples (but there are many others!):
Bursaries
We are proud of the innovative financial aid programs that are specifically designed to ensure an accessible education for all students. In 2023-24, University of Guelph students received $17.1 million in bursaries.
Bursaries are given to students who apply and demonstrate a financial shortfall in their study period budget; budgets include all financial resources (i.e. savings, government assistance programs, awards, employment income, etc.) against the cost of attendance for the study period. Academic achievement is not a consideration when awarding bursaries, however students must be registered in an academic term to receive a bursary.
Undergraduate
In 2023-24, the University of Guelph awarded $2.4 million in entrance, need-based awards ranging in value from $500 to $50,000. Students are encouraged to utilize our award search to determine awards that require an application in addition to the Financial Need Assessment Form for Entrance Awards. To be eligible for entrance awards, students must be entering post-secondary studies for the first time. Students who have previously attended a post-secondary institution will be eligible to participate in our in-course student bursary and financial aid programs.
Graduate
Graduate students are eligible to apply for bursary assistance once they begin their program.
Most entrance awards are offered to students upon admission to one of our graduate programs and are based on the student's admission application. You should contact the department for which you are seeking admission as well as utilize our graduate award online search to see a listing of University of Guelph approved awards.
In addition, prospective students are encouraged to review the information on the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies regarding graduate funding and external award opportunities.
Undergraduate
We want to ensure that students complete their degrees, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Undergraduate students typically apply for assistance in the fall semester each year, with the bursary applied to the student account as a credit toward their winter semester fees. Decisions are communicated before the end of November. The deadline to apply for fall/winter bursaries is October 7. Students expected to register fall and winter or for the winter semester only apply by October 7, whereas students who will be registered for only the fall term apply for a fall bursary late August/early September and these applications decisions will be made and assigned as the application is submitted. Students registered in the summer semester submit a separate Financial Need Assessment Form to apply for summer bursaries; the application deadline will be indicated on the form.
International Undergraduate
We support International students who are experiencing unexpected and unforeseen financial challenges. Students should complete the International Undergraduate Student Financial Need Assessment Form and submit it to Student Financial Services.
International students are eligible to apply for scholarships where one of the criteria states 'financial need'. Apply by submitting the International Undergraduate Student Financial Need Assessment form along with the name of the specific award you are applying for to the Student Awards office. The deadline to apply is October 7.
Graduate
For students registered in the fall and winter semesters, the deadline to apply for graduate student bursaries and need-based scholarships is January 10. These awards are paid to students in the winter semester. Students who are required to register for the fall semester only, apply late August/early September and will received a decision within a week of application. Students registered in the summer semester submit a separate Financial Need Assessment Form to apply for summer bursaries; the application deadline will be indicated on the form.
International Graduate
We support International graduate students who are experiencing unexpected financial difficulties. Students should complete the International Graduate Student Financial Need Assessment Form.
International students are eligible to apply for scholarships where one of the criteria states 'financial need'. Apply by submitting the International Graduate Student Financial Need Assessment form along with the name of the specific award you are applying for to the Student Awards office. The deadline to apply is January 10.
At the University of Guelph, we believe that the educational experience of university should be open to every student who is academically qualified. The University works towards this goal by offering services for students with disabilities, by removing barriers and by encouraging healthy, open communication among faculty, staff, and students.
Please refer to the definitions of a permanent disability and a persistent or prolonged disability at the top of this page.
Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD)
The Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security offers a Bursary for Students With Disabilities (BSWD) to help students in need acquire the equipment and services they require for their studies. Students must demonstrate a need on their Full- or Part-time OSAP application to qualify for the bursary. Applications are available through the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) office. The counsellors and advisors in the SAS office will work with individual students to determine the supports that are required.
University of Guelph Bursaries
Students with a permanent disability or a persistent or prolonged disability are eligible to apply for a bursary when they are registered in a minimum 40% course load and have a complete and error-free Full-Time OSAP (or out-of-province government aid) application on file for the current study period.
Students are encouraged to use our award search for a listing of awards they may be eligible to receive.
The University of Guelph has a long-standing commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion on our campuses. One of the initiatives highlighted in the University's action plan is to create new awards for students who are First Nations, Inuit and Métis as well as Black, Persons of Colour or Racialized Students.
For a detailed list of available bursaries and other financial aid programs, visit the Financial Support for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Students and Black, Persons of Colour or Racialized Students webpage.
Apply for Bursaries
Please consult Chapter 9 of the Undergraduate Calendar for eligibility requirements and definitions.
High School-Type Students Entering Semester One
This is how to apply only for an Undergraduate Entrance Bursary:
- Apply for admission to the University of Guelph.
- Complete the Entrance Financial Need Assessment Form by April 15. An offer of admission is not required to complete this application.
We recommend also reviewing the "Apply for Scholarships" section of this page to be considered for both Undergraduate Entrance Bursaries and Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships.
University's Responsibilities
The awards office will send an email confirming all entrance awards being offered before the end of May. This email will provide you with a detailed explanation of the awards being offered to you, the value of the award(s), and the conditions of the award(s).
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Students
For details about bursaries for entering DVM students, including deadlines and application requirements, visit the DVM section of the award search tool. Bursaries are awarded based on financial need.
Transfer Students
Transfer students are eligible for in-course bursaries. The award search tool provides a list of all in-course bursaries available to undergraduate students.
Please consult Chapter 9 of the Undergraduate Calendar for eligibility requirements and definitions.
Eligibility*
- Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Must be registered in a minimum of 1.5 academic credits, or 1.0 academic credits for students with a permanent disability or persistent or prolonged disability on their OSAP profile and registered with SAS
- Must have a complete and error free full-time OSAP (or the appropriate home provincial/territory student assistance program) application on file at the time of application
Students who are restricted from applying to OSAP or their home provincical/territory's program for the following reasons are eligible to apply for bursary assistance:
- Non-degree or Academic Transition Program students
- Code 65 OSAP academic restricted students
- Applied to OSAP, but were denied due to academic edits
- An HRSDC-CSFA OSAP restriction
- Maximum lifetime loan limit has been reached
Students who have a full income variance restriction on file with OSAP are not eligible to apply for bursary until this restriction is resolved with the Ministry.
*Other restrictions may apply
My Responsibilities
- Complete one In-Course Financial Need Assessment Form (NAF) per study period.
- Use the award search to identify awards that require an application in addition to the In-Course NAF (e.g. Apply By Letter) and submit the documentation along with your NAF.
University's Responsibilities
We will notify applicants by email indicating approval or denial of assistance. Students who have been approved can review their student account details on WebAdvisor.
These bursaries are intended to assist international students that are experiencing an unforeseen and/or unexpected financial situation or emergency. To apply you must complete the Undergraduate Financial Need Assessment Form for International Students by the deadline dates listed below. Students will be notified of their eligibility by email from the Student Awards office.
- Students must have completed a minimum of one year of study before they can apply for a University of Guelph International Bursary.
- Fall semester bursary application deadline is November 1.
- Winter semester bursary application deadline is March 1.
- Summer semester bursary application deadline is July 2.
- Students who require immediate assistance must speak with the International Student Advisor in Student Experience.
Most entrance awards are offered to students upon admission to one of our graduate programs and are based on the student's admission application. You should contact the department for which you are seeking admission as well as utilize our graduate award online search to see a listing University of Guelph approved awards. Students must be registered full-time to be eligible for all internal awards unless otherwise stated in the specific award qualifications.
In addition, prospective students are encouraged to review the information on the Office of Graduate Studies regarding graduate funding and external award opportunities.
Domestic Student Eligibility*
- Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Must be registered in a full-time graduate degree program
- Must have a complete and error free full-time OSAP (or the appropriate home provincial/territory student assistance program) application on file at the time of application
*Other restrictions may apply
Students who are restricted from applying to OSAP or their home provincial/territory's program for the following reasons are eligible to apply for bursary assistance:
- Non-degree or Academic Transition Program students
- Code 65 OSAP academic restricted students
- Applied to OSAP, but were denied due to academic edits
- An HRSDC-CSFA OSAP restriction
Students who have a full income variance restriction on file with OSAP are not eligible to apply for bursary until this restriction is resolved with the Ministry.
My Responsibilities
- Complete one Graduate Financial Need Assessment Form (NAF) for your study period.
- Review the list of graduate awards and follow the application instructions.
- Submit the documentation along with your NAF to Student Financial Services. Please see our contact information for details.
University's Responsibilities
We will notify applicants by email indicating approval or denial of assistance. Students who have been approved can review their student account details on WebAdvisor.
International Student Eligibility
These bursaries are intended to assist international students who are registered in a full-time graduate degree program who are experiencing an unforeseen and/or unexpected financial situation or emergency. To apply you must complete the International Graduate Student Financial Need Assessment Form by the deadline dates listed below. Students will be notified of their eligibility by email from the Student Awards office.
- Students must have completed a minimum of one year of study before they can apply for a University of Guelph International Bursary.
- Fall semester bursary application deadline is November 1.
- Winter semester bursary application deadline is March 1.
- Summer semester bursary application deadline is July 2.
- Emergency situations are dealt with as they arise. Students who are faced with an emergency must speak with the International Student Advisor in Student Experience.