If you want to go abroad but find it hard to make ends meet, Ontario will pay a portion of your expenses. The province is investing $3.5 million this year in study abroad scholarships, through the Ontario International Education Opportunity Scholarships.
OIEOS is a needs-based scholarship open to students participating in an international academic study, work-study, or co-op placement. Nearly 1,400 post-secondary students will receive scholarships this academic year, up from 272 in 2006-2007.
U of T will be giving out $2,500 scholarships for students in programs of two months or more, and $1,200 for programs of four weeks or more.
Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and academic merit. Special consideration is given to applicants from under-represented groups, including Aboriginal peoples, Francophones, students with disabilities, and those in the biotechnology sector. To receive a scholarship, students must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons.
Application forms are currently on U of T’s website. Winter applications are due Dec. 1, 2009. Students participating in other Ontario-sponsored exchange programs, such as the Ontario-Baden Wurttemberg, are not eligible.
In addition, the Student Refugee Program will give those from conflict-torn areas an opportunity to study at Ontario colleges and universities. To deliver the program, the province is investing $150,000 a year for three years in World University Service of Canada.
