By: Mauricio, a Summer Abroad alumnus
Did you know that Summer Abroad Woodsworth College awarded $500,000 worth of student awards last summer? This means the majority of Summer Abroad students ended up receiving financial aid. Students receive funding from a variety of additional sources as well, which all contribute to being able to take part in Summer Abroad’s unique international learning experience. By looking into the right resources and funding opportunities, financial aid is accessible to everyone.
I was fortunate to receive funding from the Mark Gayn Undergraduate Research Fund, which is awarded to students undertaking research studies related to China or Russia. This award covered around 20% of my program costs, which not only lowered my overall costs but also allowed me to explore more of Singapore.
Financial Resources for Students
This guide will help you identify resources for financial aid that can fund your Summer Abroad experience.
Government Aid
The first option that many students look into is government aid. As Summer Abroad occurs during the summer term, students in Ontario who receive full-time OSAP in the Fall and/or Winter term are able to apply for a Summer OSAP Extension. For more information, visit the government aid section of our website.
Summer Abroad Awards
Along with government aid, many students receive funding from one of the various Summer Abroad Awards. It is important to note that many of these awards have particular sets of criteria, and as such, it is necessary to have a strong grasp of the various eligibility requirements. For example, need-based awards require documented financial need, which can be shown through government assistance or other evidence of need. While many Summer Abroad programs have their own awards, such as the Alex R. Waugh Siena Study Abroad Award for the Italy Summer Abroad, we also offer a variety of awards that are available to all programs. There is also the Summer Abroad Inclusion, Diversity and Excellence valued at $5,000 for four recipients. It is based on academic achievement, financial need and recent contributions to the advancement of equity, diversity and inclusion. Preference is given to Black and Indigenous students. For a full list of Summer Abroad Awards, visit our website.
Additional Awards
Lastly, students can receive funding through one of the many additional awards offered by the University of Toronto. The Summer Abroad website highlights some of the more common resources, such as the International Experience (IE) Awards+ through the Centre for International Experience as well as your college or faculty. Students in Woodsworth College, University College or Victoria College have access to scholarships specifically for travel or international experiences. Further, the Faculty of Arts & Science offers its own awards for current students seeking funding for various research and travel opportunities.
To learn more about financing your Summer Abroad experience, visit our website and watch our recent online information session on financial aid.