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 website | Full-cost scholarships to applicants from outside the UK towards a postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. Selection Criteria: - Outstanding intellectual ability - Rationale for course selection - Commitment to improving the lives of others - Leadership potential | Early September Application Contents: - Personal statement (500 words) - Resume - Three reference submissions (2 academic, 1 Gates Cambridge reference) - Research proposal (PhD applicants only) | - Any nationality other than UK - Must be applying to a PhD, MLitt, or a one-year postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge | No | Yes |
| Knight-Hennessy Scholars | Full funding to pursue a graduate degree at Stanford University. Selection Criteria: - Independence of Thought - Purposeful Leadership - Civic Mindset | Early October Application Contents: - Resume (1 page) - Two letters of reference - Short answer responses & Essay (500 word limit) - Transcripts | - Admission to Stanford (applicants must apply separately to KHS) - Must complete a Bachelor’s degree before enrolling at Stanford | No | Yes |
| 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) - Academic Statement (350 words) - CV/ Resume - Transcripts - Six 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 |
| 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: - Leadership abilities - Exemplary character & integrity - Academic aptitude & intellectual ability - Empathy & intercultural competency - Open mindedness & entrepreneurial spirit | Early September for US & Global applicants and May for applicants from China Application Contents: - Personal Info - Biographical profile (100 words) - CV - GPA summary and transcript(s) - Must identify leadership roles, awards and recognitions, and professional experiences - Three letters of recommendation (2 academic, 1 leadership) - Leadership essay (750 words) - Statement of purpose (500 words) - Two short answer responses - Video introduction | - Must complete first Bachelor’s degree before taking up scholarship - Be 18-28 years of age - Meet English language proficiency requirements - Demonstrate extraordinary leadership | No | Yes |
| Yenching Scholars | Full funding to pursue an interdisciplinary graduate degree in China Studies at PKU. Selection Criteria Includes: - Outstanding academic record - Demonstrated leadership - Active in extracurricular activities - Social responsibility, moral character | Recruitment information for 2026 available in August for international candidates. Application Contents: - Personal statement (750 words or less) -Statement of Research Interest (max 1500 words) - CV - Official transcript(s) - Diploma(s) or Certificate(s) of -Enrollment - Two academic letters of recommendation - Personal statement (750 words) | - Must complete a Bachelors degree or be on to graduate no later than August 31, 2026 - An outstanding academic record -Strong interest in interdisciplinary study of China - A record of extracurricular achievement, community engagement, social responsibility, and leadership potential - Meet English language requirements | No | Yes |
| Ellison Scholars Programme | Full funding for undergraduate or graduate studies at the University of Oxford. Selection Criteria includes: - Alignment with EIT’s vision to become global technological innovators and leaders of the future - Demonstrate academic excellence, innovative thinking, integrity, and collaboration | Applications open May to July Application contents: Undergraduate - High school diploma or proof of enrollment and university - Video submission - Three references - Portfolio submission Graduate - University transcript - Three references - Research proposal (1,000 words) - Video submission - CV - Portfolio submission | Undergraduate - High school diploma or university transcript - Meet minimum grade requirements - Meet English language requirements Graduate - Undergraduate degree with honours - GPA of 3.6 - Meet English language requirements | No | Yes |