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 -reasons for choice of course -a commitment to improving the lives of others -leadership potential | Early September Application Contents: -Personal statement (500 words) -Resume -3 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 – late March |
| 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: -Online application -Resume (1 page) -2 letters of reference -Short answer responses & Essay (500 word limit) -Transcripts | -Admission to Standford (applicants must apply separately to KHS) -Must complete a Bachelor’s degree before enrolling at Stanford | No | Yes – late Feb |
| 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 -6 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 -3 letters of recommendation (2 academic, 1 leadership) -Leadership essay (750 words) -Statement of purpose (500 words) -Video introduction | -Must complete first Bachelor’s degree before taking up scholarship -Be 18-28 years of age -Meet English language proficiency requirements | 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 2025 available in August 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, 2025 -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 |