University of Toronto launches $100 million scholarship program targeting PhD talent

The University of Toronto has announced the launch of a groundbreaking $100 million scholarship program aimed at attracting top PhD talent to Canada. This initiative, known as the Presidents’ Impact Scholarship Program, will provide annual funding of $80,000 per scholar for a total of $320,000 over four years. This makes it the largest scholarship program of its kind in Canada and comparable to funding levels in leading research institutions in the United States and the United Kingdom.

A significant donation of $50 million has been provided by a Canadian family foundation with a long-standing commitment to the university and higher education in the country. The university has matched this contribution annually to establish the $100 million scholarship fund.

The program is set to commence in September 2027, with an initial cohort of 12 or 13 new scholarship recipients, each receiving four years of funding. By the start of the program's fourth year, the university anticipates maintaining a total of 50 scholars, with this number to be sustained indefinitely.