The Senate of the University of Guelph is charged with the responsibility "to deal with all matters arising in connection with the awarding of fellowships, scholarships, bursaries, medals, prizes and other awards" (University of Guelph Act). In carrying out these responsibilities, Senate has established various policies regarding awards and scholarships, and approves the terms and conditions attached to such awards. Each College has a College Awards Committee, which is responsible for the awarding of scholarships and bursaries in the programs under its authority. In addition, Student Financial Services is responsible for awarding bursaries on the basis of financial need, and evaluating the needs component of Scholarships with Financial Need. Some scholarships and bursaries are open to all students regardless of degree or diploma program and others are restricted to students in particular degree programs/majors/ or departments. Students entering the 1st semester of their first undergraduate degree should consult the "Entrance Scholarships" and “Entrance Scholarships with Financial Need” sections of the calendar for a listing of those awards for which they may be eligible. In-course students currently registered at the University of Guelph or transfer students (students who are entering the University of Guelph from another post-secondary institution) should refer to the "In-course" sections for a listing of awards for which they may be eligible. Also refer to Section VIII--Undergraduate Degree Regulations and Procedures, Academic Misconduct, Penalties, for additional regulations regarding scholarships and bursaries.

Eligibility: To be eligible for entrance awards, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident entering the 1st semester of post-secondary studies for the first time. To be eligible for in-course awards, you must be registered in an academic term and have completed a minimum of two semesters of study at the University of Guelph. In-course awards are available to all currently registered students, unless otherwise stated in the eligibility clause of a specific award. A minimum of 70% average is required for all scholarships. International Students: Financial Assistance Programs are available for International Students, including Entrance Awards, Work-Study and In-course Bursaries. International students must complete one full calendar year before applying for Work-Study or an In-course student bursry. In addition, many of the University of Guelph's scholarships for upper-year students are available to enrolled international students and are based on high academic standing. Where applications are required, it is the student's responsibility to obtain an application from Student Financial Services and to see that it is returned prior to the deadline date.

Award: Generic term used to refer to any type of award. These include scholarships, bursaries, travel grants and ACCESS awards.

ACCESS Awards: The University established an endowment fund through generous donor contributions and has been matched by the provincial government's Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund (OSOTF) program and the Ontario Trust for Student Support (OTSS). The income generated from these endowments will be used to support financial aid programs. The awards created will be used to assist Canadian citizens or permanent residents who meet the Ontario residency requirements as mandated by the OSOTF/OTSS program. Students must complete a Financial Need Assessment Form in order to be considered. Please contact the Awards Office, Student Financial Services for further details.

Ontario Government Mandated Terms for an OSOTF/OTSS Award:

i) be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;

ii) be a Ontario resident as defined by a) have lived in Ontario for a period of at least 12 consecutive months up to the beginning of full-time post-secondary study; or b) the student's spouse has lived in Ontario for at least 12 consecutive months up to the beginning of the current year full-time post-secondary study period; or c) the student's parent(s)/stepparent(s)/legal guardian/official sponsor has lived in Ontario for at least 12 consecutive months up to the beginning of the current year full-time post-secondary study period;

iii) financial need as determined by the University of Guelph's Financial Need Assessment procedures.

Bursary: An award provided to a student on the basis of financial need only. Financial need is determined by the University of Guelph's Bursary Committee after an evaluation of the Financial Need Assessment Form has been submitted by the student. Academic merit is not a consideration in awarding a bursary. You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada to be considered for bursaries. International students are eligible to apply for the International Student Bursary only.

Scholarship: An award provided on the basis of academic performance and given for further study. Given that the merit component is normally academic, it may include such non-academic aspects as leadership, extracurricular activity, volunteerism, and community involvement. Scholarships can be monetary, prizes, or medals. Financial need is not a consideration of scholarships.

Scholarships with Financial Need: An award provided on the same criteria as scholarships, but financial need is a consideration.

Travel Grants: These grants are provided to students who wish to travel as part of their program of study. Examples of travel opportunities include: Exchange/Study Abroad programs, letter of permissions, field courses, and independent research projects that are related to a student's program of study.

Payment of Awards for In-course Students: Please note that Student Financial Services will apply all internal awards against outstanding balances on students' accounts.

Payment of Awards for Entrance Students: Awards will be applied directly to the student's financial account in two equal payments in the fall and winter semesters.

Students who receive an award and who withdraw from the semester in which the award is received, or change the number of credits in which they are registered, may have their award adjusted. This adjustment will be calculated up to the twentieth class day according to the rebate schedule in effect for that semester and the published terms and conditions for the award.

Notice of Disclosure: It is understood that merit award winners' names will be released to donors and may be published as a condition of the award.

The University reserves the right to amend awards subject to the availability of funds.