Overview
International students seeking graduate scholarships in Canada may be interested in the Bridging Divides Graduate Student Stipend at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).
The funding supports eligible master’s and PhD students conducting research related to migration, citizenship, labour mobility and migration governance. Both domestic and international students may qualify for the master’s stipend, subject to the relevant eligibility requirements.
Scholarship Benefits and Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Toronto Metropolitan University |
| Country | Canada |
| Funding program | Bridging Divides Graduate Student Stipend |
| 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 two years |
| PhD duration | Up to three years |
| Eligible applicants | Domestic and international students, subject to category-specific requirements |
| Academic session | Fall 2027 |
The master’s stipend is available to eligible incoming students and existing students entering their second year. The PhD stipend is intended for eligible students already enrolled in a TMU doctoral program.
Funding renewals are subject to the applicable conditions, including academic progress and funding availability. Applicants should also confirm whether the stipend will cover their tuition and living expenses, as the published maximum amounts do not guarantee full coverage of every cost.
Eligible Research Areas
Applicants’ research must align with at least one of the following four themes:
- Cities and Migration: Migration and its effects on cities and communities.
- Citizenship and Belonging: Citizenship, identity, inclusion and social participation.
- Labour Migration: Migrant workers, employment and labour mobility.
- Global Migration Governance: Migration policies, institutions and international cooperation.
Applicants should explain how their research connects to the relevant theme rather than assuming that every migration-related topic qualifies.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity has three applicant categories:
1. Incoming master’s students: Prospective first-year master’s students planning to begin an eligible TMU graduate program in Fall 2027.
2. Existing master’s students: Current master’s students entering their second year in Fall 2027 whose thesis or major research paper aligns with a Bridging Divides research theme.
3. Existing PhD students: Students enrolled in an eligible TMU doctoral program in Fall 2027 whose doctoral research aligns with a designated research theme.
Applicants must also satisfy the admission and other requirements of their respective graduate programs.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents, depending on their application category:
- Curriculum vitae (CV): Highlight academic qualifications, research experience, relevant employment and publications, where applicable.
- Academic transcript: Provide the required record of academic performance.
- Graduate program information: Incoming master’s applicants should provide details of their chosen program and application status. Existing students should provide their TMU student identification number and enrolled program details.
- Statement of interest or letter of intent: The document submitted as part of the relevant graduate program application, where required.
-
👉🏼👉🏼Learn how to write a winning statement of Intent
- Bridging Divides motivation letter: Required for master’s stipend applicants. Incoming and existing master’s applicants should explain their suitability and research alignment in a letter of no more than two pages.
- Writing sample: Existing PhD applicants must provide a writing sample of no more than 10 pages.
Additional requirements apply to applicants in the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science (FEAS). These include identifying a proposed or expected supervisor who is a Bridging Divides researcher and providing the required confirmation from the FEAS Associate Dean of Graduate Studies.
Always consult the official application instructions for the exact documents required for your category.
Application Deadlines
The university’s scholarship overview lists the following deadlines:
| Applicant category | Published deadline |
|---|---|
| Incoming master’s students | April 1, 2027 |
| Existing master’s students | April 1, 2027 |
| Existing PhD students | February 1, 2027 |
Important: Verify the PhD deadline on the official website before applying, as the published overview and detailed application information may show different dates.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the stipend:
- Review the research themes: Determine how your proposed or current research relates to one of the four designated themes.
- Identify an eligible graduate program: Confirm that your program is affiliated with the Bridging Divides initiative and that you meet its admission requirements.
- Apply for admission if necessary: Incoming master’s students must apply to their chosen TMU graduate program.
- Prepare your documents: Organise your CV, transcript, required statements, motivation letter and any additional documents relevant to your category.
- Complete the correct application form: Use the official scholarship page to locate the form for incoming master’s students, existing master’s students or existing PhD students.
- Submit before the deadline: Check the latest instructions and ensure that all required documents are included.
Visit the official Toronto Metropolitan University scholarship page for application forms, detailed eligibility criteria and updates.
Final Thoughts
The Toronto Metropolitan University Bridging Divides Graduate Student Stipend offers substantial financial support for eligible graduate students whose research aligns with its migration-related themes.
African and other international students should first confirm their eligibility, identify the appropriate graduate program and prepare the required documents. Because the funding is competitive and deadlines vary by applicant category, consult the official university website before submitting an application.