How I Got $225,000 Scholarship from University of Toronto & How You Can Too | International Scholar

Summary

Zuhair shares his experience of securing a CAD 225,000 scholarship from the University of Toronto without a separate application. The merit-based 'University of Toronto International Scholar Award' is automatically considered for admitted international students in certain faculties. Zuhair emphasizes the importance of high academic performance, particularly scoring above 90%, for eligibility. He also advises starting the application process early, self-reporting grades, and exploring other scholarships to finance education. The video provides tips on navigating the application and scholarship process, highlighting the need for careful financial planning.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The speaker, Zuhair, received a CAD 225,000 scholarship from the University of Toronto without applying separately for it.
• 🏆 The scholarship is called the University of Toronto International Scholar Award, a merit-based automatic entrance scholarship for international students.
• 📚 To be considered for the scholarship, one must apply to the University of Toronto and be admitted to a qualifying faculty or campus.
• 📅 The scholarship notification date can vary, as it depends on the application time, with Zuhair receiving his on April 6th, 2021.
• 💰 The scholarship provides CAD 45,000 per year for up to five years, covering a significant portion of tuition fees.
• 📉 Zuhair's personal annual expenses after the scholarship deduction were approximately CAD 30,330, including housing, health care, insurance, and books.
• 🔍 For accurate cost estimation, students are advised to use the University of Toronto's financial planning calculator, which can provide the latest breakdown of tuition and living expenses.
• 📝 Academic performance is the primary determinant for receiving the scholarship, with a consistent score above 90% being highly recommended.
• ⏳ Starting the application process early and applying as soon as the university begins accepting applications is crucial for higher acceptance rates.
• 📋 After submitting the OUAC application, students must also self-report their grades and submit supplementary applications and documents.
• 🧐 Students should explore additional funding opportunities, as the University of Toronto offers over 5,000 different scholarships for various backgrounds and achievements.

Q & A

What is the University of Toronto International Scholar Award?

The University of Toronto International Scholar Award is a merit-based automatic entrance scholarship offered by the University of Toronto to international students who have applied to certain faculties and campuses. It does not require a separate application and is awarded based on academic merit.

How much is the scholarship worth and in which currency?

The scholarship is worth 180,000 Canadian dollars over four years or 225,000 Canadian dollars for a five-year undergraduate degree.

How is the scholarship amount distributed over the years of study?

The scholarship amount is distributed evenly, with 45,000 Canadian dollars available each year to be used towards tuition fees.

What faculties and campuses are included in the scholarship eligibility?

Eligible faculties and campuses include the Faculty of Arts and Science, Rotman Commerce, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, UTM (University of Toronto Mississauga), and UTSC (University of Toronto Scarborough).

When was Zuhair notified of his scholarship?

Zuhair received his scholarship notification on 6th April 2021.

How does the scholarship cover the annual expenses for a student?

The scholarship covers almost 60% of the total cost of attendance, with the remaining expenses to be paid by the student, which includes tuition fees not covered by the scholarship, housing, health care, insurance, and books.

What is the importance of having good high school grades for this scholarship?

Good high school grades, particularly consistently scoring above 90%, are crucial as the scholarship is merit-based and academic performance is the primary determinant for receiving the award.

Why is it advised to start the application process early?

Starting early ensures that students meet all prerequisites for their desired programs and increases their chances of admission and scholarship as applications are evaluated as they are received.

What are the additional steps required after submitting the OUAC application?

After submitting the OUAC application, students must self-report their high school grades and submit any required supplementary applications and documents.

How can students explore other scholarship opportunities at the University of Toronto?

Students can use the University of Toronto's Award Explorer tool to find funding opportunities based on their background and achievements, and check the eligibility criteria for each scholarship.

What is the Leicester B. Pearson Scholarship and how does it differ from the International Scholar Award?

The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship program for international students, unlike the International Scholar Award, which does not cover 100% of the educational costs.

Why is it important for international students to plan their expenses carefully?

It is important because most scholarships, including the International Scholar Award, do not cover all costs incurred by students, and expenses can change over time, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.