Internal Awards & Fellowships

 

Purpose of the Scholarship:

The Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarships in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST) program is designed to encourage excellence in graduate studies in science and technology. The program is supported through funds provided by the province of Ontario and by funds raised by the University of Toronto from the private sector. The Department of Chemistry has eight scholarships (PDF) available annually for distribution.

Value and Duration:

  • $15,000 per year or $5000 per term
  • The scholarship is awarded for one academic year at a time, which may consist of two or three consecutive terms.
  • The award may begin in September or January.

More information available on the School of Graduate Studies website.

Application Deadline:

Spring

If successful, the value of the award will be incorporated towards your stipend for the current academic year. Both domestic and international students may apply for this competition.

Application:
  1. Award Application Checklist
  2. curriculum vitae
  3. one-page summary of ongoing research (if applicable, this must effectively address the research area specific to the award)
  4. printouts of all university transcripts including current record from ACORN (except for the GSEF ChemClub Graduate Scholarship)
  5. Scholarship and Publication Summary Sheet
  6. other required document(s) specific to the award, if applicable
  7. letter of support from the research advisor (if applying for multiple awards, ONE letter from the supervisor will suffice)
     
Conditions: 

To be awarded to graduate students in the Department of Chemistry studying in the area of Analytical Mass Spectrometry. Academic merit and financial need will be considered.

Application must also include:
  1. the one-page summary of ongoing research must address the research area specific to this award
  2. statement of academic merit (demonstrate academic achievements and research abilities)
Conditions: 

To be awarded to two graduate students in the Department of Chemistry in their 3rd or higher year of study in a doctoral program. The two students chosen will be in different sub-disciplines of chemistry. The award will be given on the basis of research potential and leadership ability. Criteria will include number and quality of refereed papers and conference posters/presentations. Application to this scholarship does not require a copy of your university transcript(s). The scholarship cannot be awarded to a student who currently holds an NSERC/OGS/QEII-GSST award. This scholarship is open to international students who meet the above criteria.

Application must also include:
  1. one-page personal statement documenting extracurricular, leadership and volunteer activities
  2. the letter of support from the research supervisor must address the applicant's leadership attributes
Conditions: 

To be awarded to graduate student(s) in the Department of Chemistry who have distinguished themselves both academically and for their leadership and contribution to the life of the University through student governance, community service or volunteer work.

Application must also include:
  1. one-page personal statement documenting leadership, volunteer activities and impact to the life of the University
  2. the letter of support from the research supervisor must address the applicant's leadership attributes and contribution to the university
Conditions: 

To be awarded to graduate students in the Department of Chemistry based on academic merit and the potential for significant innovation in any area of Chemistry. Financial need will also be considered.

Application must also include:
  1. the one-page statement of ongoing research must also demonstrate the potential significance of your research
  2. statement of academic merit (demonstrate academic achievements and research abilities)
  3. letter of support from the research supervisor must address the current project's potential significance
Conditions: 

To be awarded to graduate students in the Department of Chemistry in the area of the environmental chemistry of chemical pollutants.

Application must also include:
  1. the one-page summary of ongoing research must address the research area specific to this award
  2. the letter of support from the research supervisor must address the research area specific to this award

 Application Deadline:

  Fall

The OSOTF awards refer to a group of awards, which have resulted from Ontario government's "matching" program. Under the program every dollar of donation received for student assistance has been matched by the government as well as the university on a dollar-for-dollar basis. The value of OSOTF awards is based on the annual income earned by the endowment, and the amounts specified represent an estimated value. The amounts may change at the time of payment.

Several awards are available in the fields of general chemistry, organic/biological chemistry and polymers chemistry.

Eligibility:

OSOTF awards are restricted to individuals who meet all of the following criteria at the time of application:

  1. Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident of Canada or Protected Person;
  2. Resident of Ontario; and
  3. Demonstrates financial need.

Application Requirement:

  1. OSOTF Cover Page
  2. ACORN printout of University of Toronto transcript
  3. Scholarship and Publication Summary Sheet
  4. SGS Financial Need Assessment form
  5. View specific OSOTF awards for required documents

Application Deadline:

Fall/Winter/Summer

The Program Level Fellowships are dedicated pools of funds provided to each graduate unit by the Faculty of Arts & Science. These pools are scaled to the number of funded cohort students in the unit, calculated at $1,000 per student.

The Program Level Fellowship funds must be spent:

  • on students in the funded cohort
  • in the year allocated
  • on fellowships (i.e. not employment or expense reimbursement)

The Program Level Fellowships program objectives are to:

  • increase funding for graduate students in the funded cohort
  • give students a voice on how funds are spent
  • improve transparency
  • demonstrate to graduate students that, as students and as scholars, their views are respected
  • provide an opportunity for dialogue on graduate student funding

In the fall prior to each academic year, graduate units consult with students in the unit to determine how the PLF funds will be deployed. 

    The goals are to:

    • inform students who are new to the graduate unit about the Program Level Fellowships
    • review the different models that other graduate units have adopted
    • review plans the unit has in place for the current academic year
    • determine if there is continued support for the plan or whether students wish to change it for the following year
    • give students an opportunity to discuss any broad issues related to graduate funding

    For more information including the PLF plans adopted by other grad units, visit FAS website.

    For 2022/2023, PLF will be distributed as follows: $900 towards increasing base funding and $100 towards financial assistance especially for those who have dependents and/or those who do not qualify for OSOTF. Unused funds intended for the financial assistance program will be distributed equally to all funded cohort students (including scholarship holders) in April 2023.

    The call for applications for PLF Financial Need runs between November and February. A portion of the PLF is set aside to be used as financial assistance bursaries intended for students who require additional financial support especially those who encounter extenuating circumstances. Some examples may include but not are not limited to:

    • applicant's medical/dental/prescription expenses, access to psychiatry/psychologist not covered by regular health insurance
    • changes in resources from family support due to unforeseen circumstances
    • daycare
    • travel from Toronto to home resulting from a death/family crisis/ailing member in the immediate family
    • loss of essential property not covered by insurance
    • changes in marital/dependency status.

    All applicants (domestic and international students in the funded cohort) are eligible to apply. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Contact the Grad Office if require more information.

    Click here for a summary of the fall 2021 consultation survey. 

    PLF plan chosen for 2023-2024

     

    Travel Awards
     

    The purpose of this program is to provide additional funds to enable graduate students in the Department of Chemistry to travel to conferences where they will present their work.  The motivation for this program is two-fold.  It will provide students with additional experience at presenting results in a scientific forum and an opportunity to put their own research into a broader context.  

    Conditions:

    To hold the award, the graduate student's faculty supervisor must provide funding towards the conference travel costs that matches at least the value of the travel grant.  

    The student needs the approval from the supervisor when they submit the abstract.

    Eligibility

    Award holders must be a doctoral student in the funded cohort with at least one year of graduate studies.

    Value:

    Up to $1000 from the Department

    Application Deadline: 

    Fall/Winter

    There is no competition until non-essential travels resume.

    The Faculty of Arts Science sponsors a travel grant program designed to enable graduate students to attend and present research results at scientific conferences. The motivation for this program is two-fold. This program will provide graduate students with additional experience at presenting results in a scientific forum and an opportunity to put their own research into a broader context. This program will advertise the superb research being done by graduate students at the University of Toronto.

    To hold an award, the graduate student's faculty supervisor must provide funding towards the conference travel costs that matches at least the value of the Travel Grant.

    • Eligibility: Award holders must be a doctoral student in the funded cohort. Graduate students may hold only one Graduate Student Conference Travel Grant during their time in the Department of Chemistry.
    • Date of Conference: Conference travel must occur between November 1 of the current year and October 31 of the following year.
    • Eligible Expenses: Conference registration and abstract submission costs, economy travel and living expenses.
    • Value: Up to $750
    • Application: The Chemistry Graduate Office generally sends out a notification in the fall.
    • Selection Criteria: Past academic performance. Need to attend conference for professional development. Quality of abstract. Preference will be given to students near the end of their degrees.
    • Application Deadline: Graduate Office will send out the notification in mid-November.

     

    The award provides funds to attend a conference to present either a poster or paper. An initial award of $750 will be matched by the research supervisor of the recipient, to a total of $1500 or more depending on location and travel expenses of the conference.

    Conditions of Award:

    To be awarded to a graduate student in the Department of Chemistry on the basis of financial need. Academic merit and demonstrated ability in research will also be considered. The awardee will be selected from the Physical/Theoretical Chemistry or Chemical Physical subdisciplines. The Graduate Studies Committee will consider all applications and select the winner.

    Application Materials:

    Students must submit the following materials:

    • curriculum vitae, including a list of publications;
    • conference abstract either submitted or to be submitted for a conference within the 12-month period from January 1st to December 31st of the following year;
    • short statement (not to exceed one page) outlining the importance of the research paper/poster to be presented at the conference;
    • statement from the research supervisor to confirm his/her contribution for the matching fund; and
    • Ontario residents fill out the online SGS Financial Need Assessment form.  

    Application Deadline:

    Fall

    These awards have the purpose of allowing PhD students the chance to undertake research at a different institution (university, government or industrial), to attend a summer school or specialized training course.  Expense of up to $5000 per award will be allowed.  No financial contribution from the supervisor is required.

    These awards are meant to aid in the independent, professional development of the applicant.   The application must explain how the proposed activity will do this.

    Application

    Fall/Winter

    There is no competition until non-essential travels resume.

     

    Graduate Prizes
     

    To be awarded to one or more graduate students in the Department of Chemistry who are pursuing research studies in topics related to Organic Chemistry.  The recipient(s) will be selected based on academic merit and financial need will be considered.

     

    Application:
    Fall

    To be awarded to one or more graduate students on the basis of academic merit with preference given toward support for Canadian or international students enroled in a PhD program in chemical physics.  The recipient(s) will have an academic focus on quantum entanglement, quantum dynamics of complex open systems or theoretical research in the area of quantum biology.  

     

    Application:
    Fall

    The purpose of the Boehringer Ingelheim Award of Excellence is to aid in the opportunities for professional development of graduate students in organic or bio-organic chemistry.

     

    Value:

    The value of the Boehringer Prize is $2000.

    Conditions:

    • The award is granted annually to a graduate student (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) pursuing his or her studies in synthetic or bio-organic chemistry.
    • The award is based on excellence both in graduate course work and in research.
    • The award is non-renewable.
    • The award is granted to a student nominated by the Department, after consultation with Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., R&D (BICL R&D)
    • In the event that two worthy recipients are selected, the award may be shared between both recipients.
    • The winner also presents a lecture as part of the Organic Chemistry Seminar Series where a BICL R&D representative will be in attendance.
    • Applicant must be registered in the program at the time of the application.
    • Financial need must be considered.

    Eligibility:

    • Applicants must have completed one year of graduate study in the field of organic synthesis or bio-organic chemistry.
    • Applicants must have at least one research publication from their graduate studies.

    Selection Criteria:

    The principal factor in determining the winner is excellence in research as demonstrated by publications in scientific journals and presentations at conferences on work carried out at the University of Toronto. Grades in courses, etc., will be given secondary consideration.

    Application Materials:

    • Curriculum vitae listing publications and other scientific contributions. For publications with multiple authors, students must include an explanatory note detailing their contribution;
    • Brief summary (no more than one page) of their ongoing work; and
    • SGS Financial Need Assessment form

    Deadline:
    Fall

    The fellowship will be awarded to a PhD student in the Department of Chemistry - with preference given to someone who is actively engaged in the chemistry community through teaching excellence and community outreach.  The award will preferably go to a different student each year.  It is also prefererably be awared to a student who is not granted other external scholarships.  The award must be provided as a top-up to the student's funding package.  

     

    Application Deadline: 
    Fall

    Awarded to one or more graduate students on the basis of academic merit and financial need.  Recipients are eligible for one award during their graduate degree studies. 

    To support conference registration and travel costs for graduate students wishing to attend annual Canadian Soceity for Chemistry meetings.

    Application Deadline: 
    Fall

    The LeRoy Prize is awarded annually to a student in Physical Chemistry or Chemical Physics on the basis of demonstrated excellence in research and performance in at least two graduate courses, with particular emphasis on the former. The Prize shall be awarded for one year only, although a previous winner shall be eligible for consideration for reward of the prize. Particular attention will be paid to the student's contribution to the writing of research papers, either submitted or published.

     

    Value:

    The value of the Prize is $3000. The winner is required to present a seminar, "D.J. LeRoy Prize Lecture", during one of the scheduled dates for the Physical Chemistry Seminar Series the following academic year.

    Eligibility:

    Nominees must be enrolled in the Physical Chemistry/Chemical Physics field.

    Nomination:

    Faculty nominate students for award.

    Nomination Materials:

    The following materials must be submitted to the Chemistry Graduate Office for consideration:

    • Two supporting letters, one from the supervisor and one from another faculty member;
    • Nominee's curriculum vitae;
    • Publication Summary; and
    • Grade report (ACORN printout acceptable).

    Deadline:
    Spring

    The Beamish Prizes are awarded annually to one student in each of the Analytical, Inorganic and Physical fields in recognition for their excellent work.

     

    Value:

    Four prizes of $250 each.

    Conditions:

    To be awarded to students for outstanding graduate work, as evidenced by a seminar or performance on examinations, as follows:

     

     

    Prize Value
    Analytical Chemistry $250
    Inorganic Chemistry Seminar $250
    Inorganic Chemistry Examinations $250
    Physical Chemistry Seminar $250

     

     

    Application:

    Application is not required. The Graduate Studies Committee will select recipients in the spring.

     

    To be awarded to one or more graduate students on the basis of academic merit with preference given toward support for international students enrolled in a PhD program in chemical physics with surface chemistry as the preferred area of research within chemical physics, Department of Chemistry.

     

    Application:
    Fall

     

    Financial Support for Students Outside the Funded Cohort
     

    The Master's Completion Bursary (MCB) is a financial aid program that serves to assist master's students who have experienced a delay in their program due to unanticipated factors beyond their control, and must therefore register as a full-time student beyond the program length, to complete a small or minimal amount of work in order to graduate. For more information, please visit the School of Graduate Studies website.

    The aim of the Doctoral Completion Award (DCA) is to support full-time PhD who are beyond the funded cohort but within the time limit for the degree.

    Students who have experienced a delay in their program due to unfortunate personal circumstances should refer to the SGS Emergency Grant program. 

    Value:

    Up to $4000 to be incorporated towards the funding package and of which will be paid in 1-2 instalments. Students must be registered to receive award payments and will not receive any payments once degree requirements are completed.

    Eligibility

    Applicants for the DCA must:

    • Be beyond the funded cohort;
    • Be full‐time PhD students who are within the time-limit of their degree;
    • Be in good academic standing including having achieved candidacy and having satisfactory supervisory committee reports each year;
    • No longer be receiving the normal funding package for PhD students in the year for which they are applying; and
    • Not concurrently be holding a paid continuing professional position.

    Information on application materials and deadline will be forwarded by the Chemistry Graduate Office, normally during Spring.

    For other listing of internal awards, visit the School of Graduate Studies