Bridging Divides Graduate Student Stipend 2027–2028 at Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada

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1. Introduction

The Bridging Divides Graduate Student Stipend 2027–2028 offers financial support to eligible master’s and PhD students at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) in Canada.

The programme, offered through the university’s Global Migration Institute, supports graduate research related to migration and immigrant integration. Selected master’s students can receive up to CAD $35,000 annually, while eligible PhD students can receive up to CAD $45,000 per year.

Both domestic and international students may qualify. However, applicants must pursue research connected to at least one of the programme’s four designated research themes and meet the relevant graduate admission requirements.

For African students interested in migration, public policy, employment, social integration and related research fields, this opportunity offers a chance to study in Canada while joining an international research community.

Applications for the Fall 2027 intake have separate deadlines for master’s and PhD students. Master’s applications close on 1 April 2027, while the PhD application deadline is 1 February 2027.

2. Scholarship Overview

Here are the main details of the Bridging Divides Graduate Student Stipend.

Scholarship Detail	Information
Scholarship Name	Bridging Divides Graduate Student Stipend
University	Toronto Metropolitan University
Country	Canada
Funding Organisation	Global Migration Institute, TMU
Study Levels	Master’s and PhD
Master’s Funding	Up to CAD $35,000 per year
PhD Funding	Up to CAD $45,000 per year
Master’s Duration	Up to 2 years for incoming students
PhD Duration	Up to 3 years under the published existing-student award
Eligible Applicants	Domestic and international students
Academic Session	Fall 2027
Master’s Deadline	1 April 2027
PhD Deadline	1 February 2027
Application Method	Online

The master’s stipend is available to prospective first-year students and current TMU master’s students entering their second year in Fall 2027.

The programme also provides funding opportunities for incoming and existing PhD students. Applicants must follow the application instructions for their respective categories.

The number of stipends available is limited. Furthermore, renewals depend on satisfactory academic progress and the availability of funds.

Students who already hold external research grants, such as SSHRC, CIHR or NSERC awards, may also apply for additional funding through a top-up arrangement. The Scientific Director considers these applications individually.

3. What the Scholarship Covers

The Bridging Divides Graduate Student Stipend provides financial support for eligible graduate students conducting research related to migration and immigrant integration.

The published maximum funding amounts are:

Master’s students: Up to CAD $35,000 per year.
PhD students: Up to CAD $45,000 per year.

Incoming master’s students may receive funding for a maximum of two years. The published existing PhD stipend provides support for up to three years.

Funding renewals are subject to an annual review of the student’s academic progress and the availability of funds.

Additional Benefits

Beyond financial assistance, successful applicants become part of the Global Migration Institute research team at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Recipients are expected to participate in:

Research training activities.
Academic workshops.
Professional development programmes.
Collaborative research with scholars and graduate students.
Interdisciplinary research activities related to migration and integration.

These opportunities allow students to develop their research skills, interact with established academics and build professional relationships within the migration research community.

Important: The stipend amounts are maximum annual awards. They should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every tuition fee and living expense will be covered. Applicants should compare their expected funding with the university’s tuition fees and living costs before accepting an offer.

4. Eligible Research Areas

Applicants’ research must connect to at least one of the four official themes of the Bridging Divides programme.

These themes explore different dimensions of immigrant integration and the relationship between migration and society.

1. Immigrant Health and Well-Being

This theme examines the health and well-being of immigrants and migrant communities.

Research may explore access to healthcare, mental health, social support, health inequalities and the experiences of immigrants in their host communities.

2. Employment and Lifelong Learning

This area focuses on employment opportunities, labour market participation and education among immigrant populations.

Relevant research may examine workplace integration, skills development, employment barriers, professional qualifications and access to lifelong learning.

3. Place and Infrastructure

This theme explores how migration affects cities, communities and public infrastructure.

Research may examine housing, urban development, transportation, community planning and access to public services.

4. Citizenship and Participation

This theme examines citizenship, belonging, identity and participation in society.

Relevant topics include immigrant inclusion, civic engagement, social participation and the relationship between citizenship and migration.

Applicants should clearly explain how their proposed or current research connects to at least one of these themes.

For more information, visit the official Bridging Divides research themes.

5. Who Can Apply?

The Bridging Divides Graduate Student Stipend welcomes eligible domestic and international students pursuing full-time research-based graduate studies at Toronto Metropolitan University.

There are four main application categories.

1. Incoming master’s students

Prospective first-year master’s students planning to begin an eligible graduate programme at TMU in Fall 2027 can apply.

Candidates must first apply to their preferred TMU master’s programme. After submitting their admission application, they can complete the separate Bridging Divides stipend application.

2. Existing master’s students

Current TMU master’s students entering their second year in Fall 2027 may also apply.

Their thesis or major research project must relate to at least one of the four designated research themes.

3. Incoming PhD students

Prospective first-year doctoral students applying to an eligible TMU PhD programme for Fall 2027 can apply through the incoming PhD stipend category.

They must first submit their doctoral programme admission application and then complete the separate stipend application.

4. Existing PhD students

Current full-time PhD students enrolled in an eligible TMU doctoral programme can apply if their doctoral research aligns with at least one of the programme’s research themes.

Applicants in this category must provide their TMU student identification number and other supporting documents required by the application form.

Additional Eligibility Conditions

Applicants should also note the following requirements:

They must be pursuing or applying to an eligible full-time graduate programme at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Their research must relate to at least one Bridging Divides research theme.
Their supervisor or co-supervisor must be a TMU faculty member directly involved in the Bridging Divides programme.
They must satisfy the admission requirements of their chosen graduate programme.
Course-based graduate programmes are not eligible.

The university provides a list of affiliated graduate programmes. However, the list is not exhaustive. Students from other research-based programmes may also be considered individually if their research has a clear connection to the programme’s themes.

6. Required Documents

The required documents depend on the applicant’s category.

However, applicants should prepare the following materials where applicable:

Curriculum Vitae (CV): An updated academic CV highlighting qualifications, research experience, publications and relevant professional activities.
Academic transcript: The required academic record showing previous academic performance.
Graduate programme information: Incoming students should indicate the TMU programmes to which they have applied. Existing students should provide their programme details and student identification number where requested.
Statement of Interest or Letter of Intent: The statement submitted as part of the relevant graduate programme admission application.
Bridging Divides motivation letter: A letter of no more than two pages explaining why the applicant deserves the stipend and how their research relates to at least one of the four research themes.
Writing sample: Existing PhD applicants must submit a writing sample of no more than 10 pages.

Additional Requirements for Engineering Applicants

Applicants from the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science (FEAS) must provide additional information.

These include:

The name of their proposed or expected supervisor. At least one proposed supervisor must be a Bridging Divides researcher.
A written statement from the FEAS Associate Dean of Graduate Studies confirming that the applicant meets the faculty’s admission requirements, where required.

Always consult the official application instructions for your category before submitting documents.

For additional guidance, read:

How to Write a Winning Statement of Purpose for Graduate Scholarships.

7. Application Deadlines

The Bridging Divides Graduate Student Stipend has separate deadlines for master’s and PhD applicants.

Applicant Category	Deadline
Incoming master’s students	1 April 2027
Existing master’s students	1 April 2027
Incoming PhD students	1 February 2027
Existing PhD students	1 February 2027

PhD applicants should pay particular attention to their earlier deadline.

Also, remember that applying for the stipend does not replace the graduate admission application. Incoming students must apply separately to their preferred TMU programmes and satisfy the relevant admission requirements.

8. How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the Bridging Divides Graduate Student Stipend.

Step 1: Identify your research theme.

First, determine which of the four research themes best matches your proposed or current research.

Your application should demonstrate a clear connection between your research and the programme’s objectives.

Step 2: Choose an eligible graduate programme.

Review the list of affiliated graduate programmes at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Confirm that your intended programme supports research related to the Bridging Divides initiative.

Step 3: Apply for admission to TMU.

If you are an incoming student, submit an application to your preferred master’s or PhD programme.

Follow the admission requirements and deadlines for your chosen programme.

Step 4: Prepare your supporting documents.

Gather your CV, academic transcript, statement of interest, motivation letter and any additional documents required for your application category.

Existing PhD applicants should also prepare their writing samples.

Step 5: Complete the stipend application.

Visit the official scholarship page and select the correct application form.

There are separate forms for incoming master’s students, incoming PhD students and existing graduate students.

Step 6: Review and submit your application.

Check that all required documents are included.

Ensure that your motivation letter explains why you deserve the funding and how your research contributes to one or more of the programme’s themes.

Submit your application before the relevant deadline.

Official application page: Bridging Divides Graduate Student Stipend – Toronto Metropolitan University.

9. Experiences, Interviews and Publications from Previous Recipients and Researchers

Before applying for a graduate scholarship, it is useful to understand the academic environment in which successful students will study.

The Bridging Divides programme provides access to previous stipend recipient directories, research publications and a virtual open house recording.

These resources can help prospective applicants understand the programme’s research interests and the academic community they may join.

Previous Bridging Divides Stipend Recipients

Toronto Metropolitan University publishes lists of students who have received Bridging Divides Graduate Student Stipends.

The directories include recipients from different academic disciplines, including immigration studies, policy studies, engineering, urban development, nursing and media.

Some examples from the 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 awardee cohorts include:

Jane Amachree: PhD in Policy Studies.
Praise Kalu: Master’s in Early Childhood Education.
Georgiana Mathurin: PhD in Policy Studies.
Yui Matsushita: Master’s in Immigration and Settlement Studies.
Chika Agbo: PhD in Economics.
Souhail Al-Alaoui: PhD in Policy Studies.
Negin Salehi: Master of Applied Science in Environmental Applied Science and Management.

These examples demonstrate the interdisciplinary nature of the programme and the range of academic backgrounds represented among its recipients.

Explore previous recipients:

Official Bridging Divides Graduate Student Awardees Directory.

Virtual Open House and Programme Information

Toronto Metropolitan University also provides a recording of its virtual open house for prospective graduate stipend applicants.

The session offers an opportunity to learn more about the funding programme and its research community.

Watch the recording: Bridging Divides Graduate Student Stipend Virtual Open House.

The university’s website also provides information about the wider Global Migration Institute research community. Although individual recipient interviews are not listed on the official stipend page, the awardee directory and open house are useful resources for understanding the opportunity.

Research Publications from the Bridging Divides Community

The programme also maintains a research publications directory featuring academic papers, journal articles, books, working papers and other contributions from its researchers.

The following publications offer examples of research relevant to prospective applicants.

1. Growing Roots: The Role of Collective Community Gardening in Cultural Food Insecurity and Social Integration of African Immigrants in Alberta, Canada

This 2025 study by D. Otoadese, I. Kamara and E. Onyango examines how community gardening can help address cultural food insecurity and support the social integration of African immigrants in Alberta.

The research is particularly relevant to students interested in immigrant integration, cultural identity, community development and social well-being.

Read the publication: Growing Roots – BMC Public Health.

2. Exploring Anti-Black Racism and Mental Health Equity in Canada: A Scoping Review of Current Literature

This 2025 publication by J. Adu and colleagues examines research on anti-Black racism and mental health equity in Canada.

It provides an example of research relevant to immigrant health, social inequalities and the experiences of racialised communities.

Read the publication: International Journal of Intercultural Relations.

3. Assessing the Impact of the Post-Graduate Work Permit Program on the Earnings of International Students

This 2025 study by R. Akbar and R. Banerjee examines the relationship between Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit Programme and the earnings of international students.

The research is particularly relevant to prospective international students interested in employment opportunities, labour market participation and migration policy.

Read the publication: LABOUR – Assessing the Impact of the Post-Graduate Work Permit Program.

These publications are examples from the wider Bridging Divides research community. They should not be interpreted as publications authored by stipend recipients specifically.

Explore more research: Official Bridging Divides Publications Directory.

10. Practical Guidance for African and International Applicants

The Bridging Divides Graduate Student Stipend is particularly relevant to international students whose academic interests relate to migration, employment, public policy and social integration.

However, a strong application must demonstrate more than a desire to study in Canada. It should show how your research fits the programme’s objectives.

Here are some practical suggestions.

Choose a research topic that fits the programme.

Do not assume that every migration-related research topic automatically qualifies.

For example, you could investigate access to healthcare among African immigrants, employment barriers faced by migrant workers, housing challenges in immigrant communities or the relationship between citizenship and social participation.

Explain how your proposed research connects to one of the four official themes.

Check whether your programme is eligible.

Review the university’s list of affiliated graduate programmes before applying.

If your preferred programme is not listed, contact the Global Migration Institute to establish whether your research may qualify for individual consideration.

Prepare a strong motivation letter.

Your motivation letter should explain your academic background, research interests and reasons for applying.

Most importantly, demonstrate how your proposed research contributes to the programme’s objectives.

Avoid writing a general letter that focuses only on your desire to study in Canada.

Contact potential supervisors early.

Applicants need a supervisor or co-supervisor who is a TMU faculty member directly involved in the Bridging Divides programme.

Review faculty research interests and identify academics whose work aligns with your proposed research.

Understand the funding arrangements.

The programme offers up to CAD $35,000 annually for master’s students and CAD $45,000 for PhD students.

However, these are maximum amounts. Compare the stipend with tuition fees, accommodation and other living expenses before making financial plans.

11. Official Sources and Last Verified Date

Use the following university resources to confirm the scholarship requirements and application procedures.

Official Bridging Divides Graduate Student Stipend PageProvides funding amounts, eligibility conditions, application deadlines, required documents and application forms.
Bridging Divides Graduate Student AwardeesExplore previous stipend recipients and their academic programmes.
Bridging Divides Publications DirectoryExplore academic publications, research papers, books and other contributions from the research community.
Toronto Metropolitan University Graduate Scholarships and AwardsFind other graduate funding opportunities available at TMU.
Bridging Divides Research ProgrammeLearn more about the programme’s objectives, research themes and academic activities.

Last verified: 8 November 2026.

The Bridging Divides Graduate Student Stipend offers substantial financial support for eligible master’s and PhD students interested in migration-related research at Toronto Metropolitan University.

International applicants, including prospective African students, should identify an eligible graduate programme, establish a connection with the relevant research themes and prepare their documents early.

Remember that the PhD application deadline is 1 February 2027, while the master’s deadline is 1 April 2027. Always confirm the latest instructions on the official university website before submitting your application.