The University of Toronto will launch its Presidents’ Impact Scholarship Program for doctoral studies starting September 2027, providing CAD 80,000 per year for four years. Applications for the scholarships will begin in late fall 2026, although some doctoral admissions applications are currently open.
Application Deadline:
- Late Fall 2026 (Scholarship application window opening soon; departmental doctoral admission deadlines vary, e.g., OISE on 2 November 2026, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology on 7 December 2026, and Institute of Medical Science early review on 1 February 2027)
Tell Me About The Program:
The University of Toronto Presidents’ Impact Scholarship Program is an innovative, prestigious cohort-based doctoral initiative commencing in September 2027. Designed to tackle major pressing societal challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration, the program pairs PhD and SJD candidates with co-supervisors across different disciplines, integrates professional development, and incorporates external experiential learning placements (such as government partnerships or industry internships).
Which Fields are Eligible:
Interdisciplinary doctoral research aligned with annual major societal challenge themes (historical illustrative themes include AI & Health, and Sovereignty & the Arctic) spanning across University of Toronto’s graduate departments and faculties.
Type:
Fully Funded Prestigious Interdisciplinary Doctoral Scholarship / Fellowship
Who can Apply:
- Study Level: Open to prospective and incoming doctoral students (PhD / SJD) entering study in September 2027.
- Talent Streams: Seeking applicants with exceptional scholarly talent categorized under:
- Drivers of institutional strategic priorities (catalyzing advances in institutional priority areas).
- Academic trailblazers (generating historic breakthroughs and pushing boundaries of knowledge).
- Innovation leaders (demonstrated track record of entrepreneurship and commercializing innovations).
- Scope: Open to both domestic (Canadian) and international applicants worldwide (subject to specific graduate unit admission and scholarship guidelines).
How are Applicants Selected:
Candidates are evaluated based on exceptional academic background, potential for groundbreaking or strategic research impact, innovation leadership, and alignment with the annual cohort’s research theme. Selection involves both admission to a host graduate program and completion of the separate upcoming scholarship application process.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Global (international and domestic students worldwide are eligible to apply).
Where will the Program be Taken:
University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
How Many Fellows:
An exclusive cohort of 12 to 13 doctoral peers selected annually.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Transformative Financial Support: CAD $80,000 per year for four years, totaling CAD $320,000 per scholar.
- Cohort Experience: Collaborative research environment alongside a small, dedicated group of 12–13 peers focused on a shared annual theme.
- Interdisciplinary Co-Supervision: Guided by two supervisors from different academic disciplines.
- Experiential Learning: Placement opportunities involving government, industry, or international leaders.
- Wraparound Support: Custom professionalization, networking, and impact-maximization activities.
How Long Will it Last:
4 years (for doctoral study beginning September 2027).
How to Apply:
- Identify Your Graduate Program: Search the University of Toronto graduate programme directory to find the appropriate department for your doctoral research and check its specific admission closing dates.
- Apply for Admission: Prepare your academic records, CV, statement of intent, and references, and submit your admission application through the departmental graduate unit deadline (note that some deadlines fall in late 2026 or early 2027).
- Register for Scholarship Updates: Sign up for email notifications on the official University of Toronto Presidents’ Impact Scholarship Program page to receive immediate alerts when the formal scholarship application window opens in late Fall 2026.
- Complete Scholarship Submission: Submit the separate scholarship application once available, following all specific award criteria and selection timelines.
