There are a few ways to get a scholarship to the University of Toronto in Canada:
1. Admission awards
The University of Toronto offers a variety of admission awards to both domestic and international students. These awards are based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination of both. Some of the most prestigious admission awards include:
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (full-ride scholarship for international students)
- University of Toronto Scholars Award (full-ride scholarship for domestic students)
- National Scholarship (full-ride scholarship for domestic students)
- U of T Mississauga Guaranteed Entrance Scholarship (scholarships for domestic and international students based on admitted averages)
2. In-course awards
The University of Toronto also offers a number of in-course awards to students who are already enrolled. These awards are based on a variety of criteria, including academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and financial need. Some examples of in-course awards include:
- Arbor Scholarship (scholarship for domestic and international students based on academic achievement and financial need)
- Bennett Scholars (scholarship for domestic and international students based on academic achievement and leadership potential)
- Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering Admission Awards (scholarships for domestic and international students based on academic achievement and admitted averages)
3. External scholarships
In addition to the scholarships offered by the University of Toronto, there are also a number of external scholarships that students can apply for. These scholarships are offered by a variety of organizations, including the Canadian government, foundations, and private companies. Some examples of external scholarships include:
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Ontario Graduate Fellowship
- Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
- Ontario Trillium Scholarship
To find out more about scholarships available to you, you can use the University of Toronto’s Award Explorer. This tool allows you to search for scholarships based on your eligibility criteria.
University of Toronto Scholars Program
The University of Toronto Scholars Program provides recognition to U of T’s outstanding students, at admission.
There are approximately 700 admission awards which have a value of $7,500.
Outstanding domestic and international secondary school students are considered automatically for these awards on the basis of their average at the time of admission (applicants who have previously attended a post-secondary institution are not eligible for U of T Scholars consideration).
Eligibility: To be awarded to the University’s most outstanding secondary school students on admission. Recipients must be applying to the first year of direct-entry undergraduate studies.
Award Type: Admission
Action: Automatically Considered
Availability: Domestic Students International Students
Level of Study: Undergraduate
Value/Amount: $7,500 each
How/When Is It Paid: Payment of the award is conditional on full-time registration in September at the division/college/faculty making the offer (i.e. the scholarship offer is division/college/faculty specific).
How to apply for scholarships
The application process for scholarships varies depending on the scholarship. However, there are some general tips that you can follow:
- Start early. The application process for some scholarships can be time-consuming, so it’s important to start early.
- Read the eligibility criteria carefully. Make sure that you meet all of the eligibility criteria for the scholarships that you apply for.
- Write strong personal statements. Personal statements are an important part of many scholarship applications. Be sure to write clear and concise statements that highlight your strengths and accomplishments.
- Get letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or other professionals can help to strengthen your scholarship application.
- Submit your applications on time. Be sure to submit your scholarship applications on time or before the deadline.
Getting a scholarship to the University of Toronto can be competitive, but it is definitely possible. By following the tips above, you can increase your chances of success.
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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)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
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.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
-
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.