CanadaPresidents Impact Scholarship is a major doctoral scholarship initiative that will attract exceptional PhD applicants from Canada and around the world, funding interdisciplinary cohorts focused on major societal challenges. The scholarship provides substantial financial support and is structured to enable collaborative problem-solving across academic disciplines.
The programme is offered by the University of Toronto and is backed by a $100‑million investment, including an anonymous $50‑million philanthropic commitment and matching funds from the university. The inaugural cohort of Presidents’ Impact Scholars will begin their PhD studies in September 2027.
Presidents Impact Scholarship Benefits
- Presidents’ Impact Scholars will receive $80,000 per year for four years.
- Providing a total potential funding package of $320,000 over the four-year PhD period.
- Beyond financial support, scholars will become part of a highly selective interdisciplinary community of doctoral researchers working on major societal challenges.
- The programme will also connect scholars with researchers across the University of Toronto, including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and faculty members whose work relates to the annual theme.
- Scholars may have opportunities to participate in external engagement experiences such as government partnerships, international placements or internships with industry partners working on relevant issues.
Get new scholarships by email
Scholarship Union lists awards like this one as they open. One short digest, no spam.
Presidents Impact Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- The programme is intended for exceptional PhD applicants from Canada and around the world.
- Candidates will be assessed not only on academic excellence but also on their demonstrated capacity for innovation, creativity and real-world problem-solving.
- The University of Toronto is seeking candidates who can contribute to ambitious interdisciplinary research and who have the curiosity, imagination and initiative to translate knowledge into meaningful public or commercial impact.
- Applicants may come from a wide range of disciplines, including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, genomics, biomedical sciences, sustainability, public policy, cybersecurity and other fields connected to major societal challenges.
How to Apply for Presidents Impact Scholarship
- The University of Toronto has announced that a formal call for applications will be issued soon.
- Prospective applicants should monitor the official University of Toronto School of Graduate Studies announcement for the application opening, eligibility details, participating programmes and submission requirements.
- VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE FOR APPLICATION UPDATES
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Presidents’ Impact Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply based on the University of Toronto announcement.
What is the Presidents’ Impact Scholarship?
The Presidents’ Impact Scholarship Program is a major doctoral scholarship initiative from the University of Toronto designed to attract exceptional PhD applicants from Canada and around the world. Backed by a $100‑million investment, the programme focuses on interdisciplinary research and real‑world problem‑solving to address major societal challenges.
Who is offering this scholarship?
The scholarship is offered by the University of Toronto and is supported by an anonymous $50‑million philanthropic commitment alongside matching funds from the university. The programme will be administered through the University of Toronto and its graduate studies structures.
What level of study does the scholarship support?
The Presidents’ Impact Scholarship supports doctoral (PhD) study. The programme brings together cohorts of PhD scholars each year to work on an annual theme that addresses complex societal challenges and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration.
How much funding does each scholar receive?
Presidents’ Impact Scholars will receive $80,000 per year for four years, providing a total potential funding package of $320,000 over the PhD period. This funding is intended to make the doctoral programme highly competitive internationally.
When does the programme start?
The inaugural cohort of Presidents’ Impact Scholars will begin their PhD studies in September 2027. Prospective applicants should note the study start date while monitoring announcements for application timing and details.
What disciplines are eligible to apply?
Applicants may come from a wide range of disciplines. Potential areas mentioned include artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, genomics, biomedical sciences, sustainability, public policy, cybersecurity and other fields connected to the annual societal challenge themes.
What is unique about this scholarship programme?
The programme is structured around both individual research excellence and collective problem‑solving. Each annual cohort develops around a common research theme, enabling scholars from different backgrounds to collaborate, exchange ideas and engage beyond academia in government, industry and other sectors.
Will scholars have supervisors from multiple disciplines?
Yes. Each scholar will work with two faculty supervisors from different disciplines to develop expertise across multiple fields while maintaining the depth required for advanced doctoral research, as stated in the programme description.
Are there opportunities for external placements or partnerships?
The programme indicates that scholars may have opportunities to participate in external engagement experiences such as government partnerships, international placements or internships with industry partners working on relevant issues connected to the annual theme.
How can I apply and where can I find updates?
A formal call for applications will be issued soon. Prospective applicants should monitor the official University of Toronto School of Graduate Studies announcement and visit the programme’s official page for application opening, eligibility details, participating programmes and submission requirements.
Discover more from Scholarship Union
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.