Funding options & awards

The OISE Student Services website contains information about OSAP, Graduate Assistantships, OISE Bursary information, Awards, Emergency Loans, and other funding and award information:
http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/studentservices/financialinfo/fininf.php

Please note:
*Where proof of financial need is required, an OSAP receipt will suffice. There is no need to fill out a “statement of financial needs form” unless you are not an OSAP recipient.
*Award amounts are subject to change.

Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study - Application Awards:
(require a student application)

James Fair Bursaries

This bursary was established by the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study in memory of Dr. James Fair who was associated with the Jackman Institute from 1970 to 1989. Two bursaries of up to $500 each will be awarded to students in the CSE program who have demonstrated financial need and who perform a service benefiting children in the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute Laboratory School. This award is available for students entering their 2nd year of study. Applications are typically made available in late February. The award recipient announcement will be made at the Jackman ICS convocation party in June.

Margaret Kidd Awards

Small grants (normally less than $350) are provided to assist CSE students in attending conferences that will enrich their professional education. Preference will be given to applications related to the early years. The fund was established to recognize Margaret Kidd's lifetime of professional achievement in this area. Applications are made available in fall (October 15th) and winter (February 15th). Awards are based on the student's record, the relevance of the proposed conference to the education and care of young children, and plans to 'report back' on the conference to the Jackman ICS community. Preference is given to students in the second year of the program. Awards will be presented at the Jackman ICS convocation party in June.

Robert Seth Kingsley Graduate Student Fellowships

This award was established in memory of Robert Seth Kingsley who was a student in the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study Laboratory School. Typically, a minimum of $500 will be awarded to one or two students in the MA program in Child Study and Education or the MA/MEd program in Developmental Psychology and Education within the Department of Human Development and Applied Psychology. Awards will be made on the basis of financial need potential for excellence and leadership in special education, demonstrated by an ability to integrate scholarship and practice. Please provide two letters of reference to support your application. Award recipient announcements will be made at the Jackman ICS convocation party in June.

Joy Penner Award

This bursary is awarded on the basis of financial need in an emergency situation. Applicants may receive up to $500. Application info is made available via the student lounge bulletin board in the Fall and Winter terms. Decisions regarding this award are made by the Jackman ICS Awards Committee. No public announcement of the recipient will be made.

Child Study Bursary

This bursary is awarded to Jackman ICS MA students on the basis of financial need (OSAP eligibility to be included in application). Descriptions of financial need should not exceed one typed page, double-spaced. Applicants may receive up to $1500. Application info is made available via the student lounge bulletin board in the Fall and Winter terms. Decisions regarding this award are made by the Jackman ICS Awards Committee. No public announcement of the recipient will be made.

Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study - Nomination Awards:
(faculty/staff nominations determine award winners)

Gordon Cressy Student Leadership Awards

The Gordon Cressy Student Leadership Awards were established in 1994 by the University of Toronto Alumni Association and the Division of University Advancement in order to recognize students who have made outstanding extra-curricular contributions to their college, faculty or school, or to the university as a whole. This award is administered through the University of Toronto, with nominations solicited through the Jackman ICS Awards Committee. Each November, the awards committee receives notification from UofT and sends nomination information to Jackman ICS faculty and lab school administration. Selected nominees will then be asked to submit documentation. Two award recipients are typically notified in late January and are presented with the award at a ceremony in late March. Award winners will also be acknowledged at the Jackman ICS convocation party in June.

Blatz Awards

In memory of the Jackman ICS Founding Director, Dr. William E. Blatz, two or more awards of up to $250 are given in recognition of students who demonstrate both academic strength and contribution to the Jackman ICS community. Recipients are chosen from among the Leighton McCarthy nomination pool. The Jackman ICS Awards committee will solicit nominations by March 15th, or the last Friday prior to March Break. Award winner announcements are to be made at the Jackman ICS convocation party in June.

Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study Research Award

Two awards of up to $150 each will be given out to year-two students who have demonstrated excellence in research in the process of completing qualifying research papers. There will be a general call for nominations from faculty and lab school supervisors by March 15th, or the last Friday prior to March Break. Awards/certificates are to be presented at the Jackman ICS graduation party in June.

Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study Practice Teaching Award

Two awards of up to $150 each will be given out to year-two students who have demonstrated excellence in teaching practice. There will be a general call for nominations from mentor teachers via the Practicum Coordinator by March 15th, or the last Friday prior to March Break. Awards/certificates are to be presented at the Jackman ICS graduation party in June.

Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study Child Abuse Prevention Award

One award of up to $150 will be given out to a student who has demonstrated outstanding research or practice in child abuse prevention. There will be a general call for nominations in February from faculty and staff familiar with the student’s work in this area. Award/certificate is to be presented at the Jackman ICS graduation party in June.

Leighton McCarthy Memorial Scholarship Fund

This award was established in 1977 by the Hope Foundation in memory of Mr. Leighton McCarthy, a former governor of the University of Toronto who gave his residence at 45 Walmer Road to the university. This residence is now the home of the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study. Up to $500 is awarded annually to one or two second-year students in the Master of Arts in Child Study and Education program. Selection is made by the Jackman ICS Leighton McCarthy Committee on the basis of scholastic excellence and contribution to the life of the Jackman Institute. Financial need may also be considered. The award winner announcement is to be made at the Jackman ICS convocation party in June.

Robert Seth Kingsley Entrance Award, MA in Child Study & Education

This entrance award was established in memory of Robert Seth Kingsley who was a student in the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study Laboratory School. It typically involves a minimum of $500 and is awarded to one or two outstanding applicants to the MA program in Child Study & Education. Consideration for this award will be based on financial need, as well as evidence of a strong interest in special education in applicant letters of intent. Award winners will be acknowledged at the Jackman ICS convocation party in June.

OISE/UT and other external organizations also have funds available to students with financial need:

OISE Bursaries

OISE bursaries are non-repayable. You must be registered to apply. Students are expected to rely on OSAP or another provincial government assistance program up to the maximum loan amount before applying for a bursary. Financial need is the most important guiding principle in the awarding of bursaries. Those ineligible for OSAP assistance will be considered on a case-by-case basis. For bursary program details and to complete an online bursary application, please visit:
www.oise.utoronto.ca/studentservices/osapBursaryAward/bursary.php

OISE Emergency Student Loans

OISE has a small short-term loan fund for full-time students experiencing an unexpected emergency financial situation. Students must demonstrate that their need is urgent, of an unanticipated nature, and identify resources from which the loan would be repaid. Emergency loans are not awarded as a means of paying another outstanding debt to the university, such as tuition fees or library fines. To see if you qualify, please contact the reception desk in Student Services, Pre-Service Students, at (416) 978-2277. Application forms are available at the reception desk in the Student Services Office, 8th Floor, Room 8-225, OISE.

University of Toronto Advance Planning for Students (UTAPS)

Students who apply for OSAP and receive the maximum loan amount may qualify for a University grant if OSAP's assessment of their need exceeds the maximum loan amount. This grant is non- repayable. Students are automatically considered for UTAPS if they apply for OSAP. Out-of-province students who have applied for government assistance are also eligible for UTAPS but must contact Admissions and Awards, 315 Bloor St. W. to fill out an application. If you wish to get an estimate of the UTAPS amounts you are likely to receive please go to:
https://www.adm.utoronto.ca/fa/utapsappl/UTAP0.htm.

Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)

OSAP loans are interest-free while you are at school. Payments do not have to be made until six months after you stop being a full-time student, although interest begins to accrue from the date your study period ends. Program details and online application forms are available at:
www.oise.utoronto.ca/studentservices/osapBursaryAward/osap.php
For students currently enrolled in a graduate program: Student Services recommends that returning students apply for OSAP by May 31st for funding for the following school year.
For prospective full-time graduate students: Student Services recommends that new students apply by June 30th to ensure their funds are available when classes begin in September.

Ontario Work Study Program

The Ontario Work-Study program is a student financial aid program designed to assist students by providing on-campus employment. Beginning in September students can view Work-Study positions through the Career Centre website at: http://www.careers.utoronto.ca. There are over 1,150 positions available, many of which have up to 3 vacancies per position. Each student can earn up to $2,000 throughout the program at approximately 10 - 12 hours per week. In order to qualify, a student must 1) (normally) receive some assistance from OSAP, 2) generally be an Ontario resident as defined by OSAP, and 3) be enrolled in at least 60% of a full course load. Further details, as well as application instructions, can be obtained from Student Services beginning in September after Labour Day.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program (OGS)

Ontario Graduate Scholarships are available to students with a high level of academic achievement. A scholar receives $5,000 per session (as of the 20008/2009 school year). Awards apply to two or three consecutive terms. International students are eligible for this scholarship. The deadline for this scholarship is typically in early October. For more OGS details, use the link to follow:
www.oise.utoronto.ca/studentservices/financialinfo/ogs.php

Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association Scholarships and Fellowships

The Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association offers three scholarships for graduate study up to amounts of $10,000 each. It also offers three fellowships for Religious Studies in the amounts of $10,000 each (graduate or undergraduate). These awards are available to statutory or voluntary members in good standing with the Association. Applications must be submitted by April 1st. Application forms are available online: http://www.oecta.on.ca/services/postgradscholar.htm

After Graduating…

Ontario Student Opportunity Grant (Loan Forgiveness)

Any amount that you borrow in excess of $7000 for the year will be offset by a grant from OSAP equivalent to that amount - subject to you having successfully completed your program of studies, income verification by OSAP with the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, and provided that you have not defaulted on any previous loans. OSAP will determine your eligibility for this grant (formerly called loan forgiveness) six months after your study period ends. If you qualify, OSAP will forward this grant to the National Student Loans Service Centre to pay down your debt. Please refer to the OSAP website for more information: http://osap.gov.on.ca/

Other Helpful Info

OISE Financial Info Sessions for Graduate Students
OISE Student Services will be offering a number of drop-in sessions throughout the year to provide information and answer questions regarding financial assistance. Check out the following link for session descriptions and the 2009/2010 session schedule:
http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/studentservices/financialinfo/infsess.pdf

OISE Student Services Contact Info
Student Services General Inquiries: 416-978-2277
Email: gradfinasst@oise.utoronto.ca
Web: www.oise.utoronto.ca/studentservices/