University of Toronto launches $100 million PhD scholarship programme

The University of Toronto has launched a $100 million scholarship programme to attract top PhD researchers from Canada and around the world, offering selected scholars up to $80,000 annually for four years.

The "Presidents’ Impact Scholarship Program" is designed to strengthen doctoral education by giving researchers greater financial support while encouraging them to work on major societal challenges. Each scholarship could be worth as much as $320,000 over four years.advertisement❮❯ Read Full StoryFOCUS, OPPORTUNITIESThe programme will eventually support about 50 scholars at a time, with around 12 to 13 new scholars joining each year. The first cohort is expected to begin in September 2027.

Scholars will work around an annual theme focused on a major societal challenge. Potential areas include artificial intelligence and health and sovereignty and the Arctic.

The university will also pair each scholar with two faculty supervisors from different disciplines. The approach is intended to encourage collaboration across academic fields and produce research with broader real-world impact.

The program will give scholars opportunities to undertake placements with government, industry and international organizations. These experiences are intended to help students connect their academic research with practical challenges while developing professional and leadership skills.

The $100 million initiative is being funded through a $50 million gift from an anonymous Canadian family foundation, which is being matched by the university.

The University of Toronto says the initiative represents a major expansion of support for doctoral researchers and is among the most ambitious PhD scholarship programs in Canada.

Applications for the Presidents’ Impact Scholarship Program are expected to open in late fall 2026, with the first group of scholars set to begin their studies in 2027.- EndsRead | IIT Bombay rolls out wellness, hostel and exam reforms amid student suicide row