The answer to Does University of Toronto give full scholarships? is Yes, the University of Toronto offers full scholarships to both domestic and international students. The most prestigious full scholarship offered by the university is the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, which is awarded to international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential.
Other full scholarships offered by the University of Toronto include:
- National Scholarship (domestic students only)
- President’s Scholars of Excellence Program (domestic students only)
- Chancellor’s Scholarship (domestic students only)
- University of Toronto Scholars Award (domestic and international students)
- Faculty of Arts and Science Dean’s List Scholarship (domestic and international students)
- Rotman Commerce Scholarship (domestic and international students)
- Engineering Science Entrance Scholarship (domestic and international students)
In addition to these scholarships, the University of Toronto also offers a variety of other awards and bursaries to students based on merit, financial need, and other criteria.
Spotlight: Admission Awards
National Scholarship
The National Scholarship program recognizes original and creative thinkers, community leaders, and high academic achievers. It is U of T’s most prestigious award for Canadian high school students entering the university and offers full-ride scholarships to National Scholars.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship program recognizes international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement who are recognized as leaders within their school. The Pearson Scholars receive full-ride scholarships.
U of T Mississauga Guaranteed Entrance Scholarship
U of T Mississauga offers three levels of guaranteed entrance scholarships to all domestic and international students upon admission to their campus with the admitted averages starting at 90.0%.
Learn more about the U of T Mississauga Guaranteed Entrance Scholarship(external link)
U of T Scarborough Entrance Scholarships
Domestic students (Canadian citizens and permanent residents) applying from secondary school who are admitted to U of T Scarborough will automatically be considered for entrance scholarships.
Learn more about the U of T Scarborough Entrance Scholarships(external link)
University of Toronto Scholars Program
The U of T Scholars Program provides recognition to the University’s outstanding students, at admission and on an on-going basis. In some cases a U of T Scholars award is tenable in conjunction with other admission awards that students may receive from their college/faculty. Outstanding domestic and international secondary school students are considered automatically for these awards on the basis of their average at the time of admission.
President’s Scholars of Excellence Program
Approximately 150 of the most highly qualified students applying to first year of direct-entry, undergraduate studies will be distinguished as President’s Scholars of Excellence. Outstanding domestic and international secondary school students are considered automatically for the President’s Scholars of Excellence Program (PSEP) upon admission (i.e. a separate application is not required).
To learn more about full scholarships and other financial aid opportunities at the University of Toronto, please visit the university’s financial aid website: https://future.utoronto.ca/finances/financial-aid/.
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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)
If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.
📌 What is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.
NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:
- Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
- Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.
✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?
To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
- Have a valid South African ID.
- Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
- Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).
📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.
If you’re studying:
- Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
- Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.
📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application
When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
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Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
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Create an Account
- Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
- You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
- Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
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Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
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Fill in Your Personal Details
- Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
- Provide household income information and living arrangements.
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Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
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Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
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Track Your Application
- Log in regularly to check your application status.
- You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.
🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)
- Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
- Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
- Disbursement: After registration and approval
Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.
💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?
NSFAS funding typically includes:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation (if living away from home)
- Meals and transport
- Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)
For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).
🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment
Repayments are:
- Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
- Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
- Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.
You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.
🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application
If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 Final Tips Before Applying
- Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
- Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
- Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
- Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.
By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.