The Program Level Fellowships are dedicated pools of funds provided to each graduate unit by the Faculty. These pools are scaled to the number of funded cohort students in the unit, calculated at $1,000 per student.
The Program Level Fellowship funds must be spent:
- on students in the funded cohort
- in the year allocated
- on fellowships (i.e. not employment or expense reimbursement)
The Program Level Fellowships program objectives are to:
- increase funding for graduate students in the funded cohort
- give students a voice on how funds are spent
- improve transparency
- demonstrate to graduate students that, as students and as scholars, their views are respected
- provide an opportunity for dialogue on graduate student funding
Annual Consultations & Reporting
In the fall prior to each academic year, graduate units consult with students in the unit to determine how the Program Level Fellowship funds will be deployed.
The objectives are to:
- inform students who are new to the graduate unit about the Program Level Fellowships
- review the different models that other graduate units have adopted
- review plans the unit has in place for the current academic year
- determine if there is continued support for the plan or whether students wish to change it for the following year
- give students an opportunity to discuss any broad issues related to graduate funding
The 2022 consultation process will result in either the confirmation or reform of each unit’s Program Level Fellowship plans for 2023-24. Graduate units must submit reports to the Vice-Dean, Graduate Education, on their consultations and any changes to existing plans.
Program Level Fellowship Plans
Some examples of Program Level Fellowship models include:
- equal distribution of the per student allocation to all funded cohort students
- distribution of funds to students with income below a certain threshold
- awards for those who have met certain milestones – e.g. achieving candidacy
Program Level Fellowship Plans for 2022-23 and 2023-24, by department:
2022-23
Program Level Fellowship funds will be distributed equally to all registered students in the funded cohort in both the Master’s and PhD programs.
2023-24
Every student in the funded cohort will receive an equal share of $1,000 of the PLF.
2022-23
Every student in the funded cohort will receive an equal share of $1,000 of the PLF.
2023-24
Every student in the funded cohort will receive an equal share of $1,000 of the PLF.
2022-23
The first priority is to top-up all students in the funded cohort currently receiving an annual funding less than $29,000 to $29,000.
Second priority is to fund 3 International Graduate Student Fellowship for Excellence in Doctoral Research Stream Studies (OGS International Cognate Awards), at $3,000 each. The award is a cognate to the OGS and QEII-GSST; the underlying rationale is the lack of international student award opportunities relative to domestic. Applicants will use the online OGS application; synced to OGS (International) deadline. Students who win this award and who have already received the priority 1 top-up funding for AY2022-23 may have the cognate award adjusted accordingly.
Relocation fund for first year students not in receipt of a major external award or entrance award ($5000 or more). $2,000 for those already in the GTA; $2,5000 for those moving from elsewhere in Canada; $3,000 for those moving from outside Canada.
Family Care Award: available for students who are responsible for family care or dependents; funds will be equally divided amongst those who apply, for up to $3,000 per person per year.
If any funds remain at the end of the year, they will be equally distributed to all graduate students in the funded cohort.
2023-24
The first priority is to top-up all students in the funded cohort currently receiving annual total funding less than $29,000 to $29,000. Allocation will be at the discretion of the graduate administrator and associate chair, graduate.
Second priority is to fund 3 International Graduate Student Fellowship for Excellence in Doctoral Research Stream Studies (OGS International Cognate Awards), at $3,000 each. The award is a cognate to the OGS and QEII-GSST; the underlying rationale is the lack of international student award opportunities relative to domestic. Applicants will use the online OGS application; synced to OGS (International) deadline. Students who win this award and who have already received the priority 1 top-up funding for the academic year may have the cognate award adjusted accordingly.
Third priority is a relocation fund for first year students not in receipt of a major external award. Up to $5,000 is available for this priority. The graduate administrator will communicate the method of application, and students must provide receipts for expenses. Money for this priority will be distributed proportionally according to the applications received, up to a maximum of $2500 per student.
Family Care Award: available for students who are responsible for family care or dependents; applicants must provide a brief rationale as to eligibility and/or anticipated expenses in the application. After the first three priorities are met, remaining funds, of up to 30% of the total PLF fund, may go towards the Family Care Award. Funds will be divided equally for those who apply, for up to $3,000 per person per year.
If any funds remain at the end of the year, they will be equally distributed to all graduate students in the funded cohort.
2022-23
Provide $1,000 to all MSc and PhD students in the Faculty of Arts and Science funded cohort.
2023-24
Provide $1,000 to all MSc and PhD students in the Faculty of Arts and Science funded cohort.
2022-23
- Increase in base funding for all students in the funded cohort
- Some funds will be allocated towards financial assistance for any students and particularly to those with families and students ineligible for OSOTF awards.
2023-24
- Increase in base funding for all students in the funded cohort
- Some funds will be allocated towards financial assistance for any students and particularly to those with families, medical/dental/prescription expenses not covered by health benefits/OHIP and students ineligible for OSOTF awards.
Unused funds will be equally distributed to funded cohort students in April.
2022-23
The Cinema Studies Institute will provide $500 to each MA student, and the remaining funds will be distributed equally among PhD students in the funded cohort.
2023-24
The Cinema Studies Institute will provide $500 to each MA student, and the remaining funds will be distributed equally among PhD students in the funded cohort.
2022-23
Every student in the funded cohort will receive an equal share of $1,000 of the PLF.
2023-24
Every student in the funded cohort will receive an equal share of $1,000 of the PLF.
2022-23
Comparative Literature will continue its practice of dividing the PLF funds equally between all students who are in the last year of the funded cohort.
2023-24
Equal distribution of the PLF funds to all students in the funded cohort.
2022-23
Every student in the funded cohort will receive an equal share of $1,000 of the PLF.
2023-24
Equal distribution to all eligible students.
2022-23
Every student in the funded cohort will receive an equal share of $1,000 of the PLF.
2023-24
Centre graduate students agreed to put the funds towards increasing the program level base funding by an extra $1000.00 for 2023-24.
2022-23
PLF Funds will be distributed in the following manner: 50% of allocated funds to MA and PhD students’ base funding for 2022-23 ($250 per MA student and Year 5 PhD students, $500 per PhD students Years 1-4) and the other 50% to Black, Indigenous and other racialized MA and PhD students.
2023-24
Distribute 50% of allocated funds to MA and PhD students’ base funding for 2023-24 ($500 per MA and Year 1-5 PhD students) and the other 50% to Black, Indigenous, and other racialized MA and PhD students.
2022-23
Every student in the funded cohort will receive an equal share of $1,000 of the PLF.
2023-24
The Earth Sciences department will put the funds towards increasing our program level base funding by an extra $1,000 to all students in our funded cohort.
2022-23
Students in the third year of study will receive an award funded by the Program Level Fellowships in the semester during which they complete their Comprehensive Exam. Depending on the students’ progress and with their supervisors’ approval the award may be considered for as early as the second semester of the second year of study. The goal is to aid the students to complete their comprehensive exams by reducing the time spent on paid employment so that they can meet the program deadline, November of the 3rd year. The award will be disbursed in two instalments: at the beginning of the semester in which the students indicate, with the supervisor’s approval, the intention to take the Comprehensive Exam and at the end of the semester in which the students have successfully completed the Exam. Any leftover funds will be allotted to student research travel awards.
2023-24
Students in the third year of study will receive an award funded by the Program Level Fellowships in the semester during which they complete their Comprehensive Exam. Depending on the students’ progress and with their supervisors’ approval the award may be considered for as early as the second semester of the second year of study. The goal is to aid the students to complete their comprehensive exams by reducing the time spent on paid employment so that they can meet the program deadline, November of the 3rd year. The award will be disbursed in two instalments: at the beginning of the semester in which the students indicate, with the supervisor’s approval, the intention to take the Comprehensive Exam and at the end of the semester in which the students have successfully completed the Exam. Any leftover funds will be allotted to student research travel awards.
2022-23
Graduate students in the funded cohort who do not have a scholarship worth $35K or more will receive a Program Level Fellowship worth $1000. The extra PLF money that is available will be provided to students with special financial needs.
2023-24
EEB graduate students in the funded cohort who do not have a scholarship worth $35K or more will receive a Program Level Fellowship worth $1000. The extra PLF money that is available will be provided to students with special financial needs.
The EEB Grad Office will put out a call to grad students asking those with financial need to contact the office. Additional PLF funds be available to those with the greatest need in the New Year.
2023-24
All students in the funded cohort will receive an equal share of the funds.
2022-23
The fellowship is available by application to PhD Year 4 students (and PhD U Year 5 students) to support a concentrated focus on dissertation progress during May through August of that year. Creating a "Milestone" on the path towards degree completion, it provides a positive incentive to encourage timely completion of the doctoral dissertation. Applicants must be in good standing and have already completed at least one thesis chapter.
Students must have achieved candidacy in Year 3 (PhD U Year 4), be in good standing, and compliant with the FAS Terms and Agreement for fellowship support. By the time of application, students must have completed a thesis chapter (minimum 30 ds pp, or 9,000 words, attested by the thesis committee to be a competent draft chapter).
2023-24
A Summer Thesis Fellowship is available by application to PhD Year 4 students (and PhD U Year 5 students) to support a concentrated focus on dissertation progress during May through August of that year. Creating a "Milestone" on the path towards degree completion, it provides a positive incentive to encourage timely completion of the doctoral dissertation. Applicants must be in good standing and have already completed at least one thesis chapter. The yearly amount of program-level fellowship pool funds will be divided among eligible applications and will vary from year to year. The Fellowship is in addition to the year's UTF amounts, external scholarships, and any previously committed internal awards.
2022-23
Graduate students who hold major awards ($35,000) or greater will not be eligible for a PLF. All other members of the funded cohort in good academic standing will receive $1000. Funds that remain will be distributed to students in the funded cohort in good academic standing with a net funding package of less than $20,000 (after paying tuition and fees) with the aim of bringing all students in the funded cohort up to this threshold.
2023-24
Graduate students who hold major awards ($35,000) or greater will not be eligible for a PLF. All other members of the funded cohort in good academic standing will receive $1000. Funds that remain will be distributed to students in the funded cohort in good academic standing with a net funding package of less than $20,000 (after paying tuition and fees) with the aim of bringing all students in the funded cohort up to this threshold.
2023-24
The Program Level Fellowships will be allocated to PhD students in the Department’s funded cohort with fellowship amounts below the median. Any remaining funds will be equally distributed.
2022-23
The Program Level Fellowship pool for Geography and Planning shall be granted as lump-sum payments in summer to first-year Geography MA or MSc students and fourth-year Geography or Planning PhD students who have not secured major award /scholarship amounts which exceed the A&S base funding level.
Using historical data on tuition fees and access to fee reduction supports and scholarships/awards, average time to completion, and living costs over said time to completion as guides, the value of these PLFs shall be scaled between program streams (Masters versus PhD) and enrolment statuses (domestic versus international students) to reflect and alleviate real differences in expenses incurred when students leave the funded cohort.
2023-24
The Program Level Fellowship pool for Geography and Planning shall be granted as lump-sum payments in summer to first-year Geography MA or MSc students and fourth-year Geography or Planning PhD students who have not secured major award /scholarship amounts which exceed the A&S base funding level.
Using historical data on tuition fees and access to fee reduction supports and scholarships/awards, average time to completion, and living costs over said time to completion as guides, the value of these PLFs shall be scaled between program streams (Masters versus PhD) and enrolment statuses (domestic versus international students) to reflect and alleviate real differences in expenses incurred when students leave the funded cohort.
2022-23
Every student in the funded cohort will receive an equal share of $1,000 of the PLF.
2023-24
Every student in the funded cohort will receive an equal share of $1,000 of the PLF.
2022-23
Students who received or were in receipt of major scholarships (e.g., CGS-D, Vanier, Trillium, of $35,000 or more) would not receive the PLF. These funds will be retained and then distributed to graduate students in the funded cohort who fall below $20,000 once their tuition fees are subtracted from their package (TA hours over and above the minimum number of hours that are included in the package will not be factored into this calculation).
2023-24
Students who received or were in receipt of major scholarships (e.g., CGS-D, Vanier, Trillium, of $35,000 or more) would not receive the PLF. These funds will be retained and then distributed to graduate students in the funded cohort who fall below $20,000 once their tuition fees are subtracted from their package (TA hours over and above the minimum number of hours that are included in the package will not be factored into this calculation).
2022-23
Every student in the funded cohort will receive an equal share of $1,000 of the PLF.
2023-24
Every student in the funded cohort will receive an equal share of $1,000 of the PLF.
2022-23
Every student in the funded cohort will receive an equal share of $1,000 of the PLF.
2023-24
Every student in the funded cohort will receive an equal share of $1,000 of the PLF.
2022-23
Every student in the funded cohort will receive an equal share of $1,000 of the PLF.
2023-24
Every student in the funded cohort will receive an equal share of $1,000 of the PLF.
2022-23
- 1K per new international student
- 1 TA relief award of 5K
- 2 need based awards of 5K (via applications or nominations)
- Equal distribution of remaining funds among 4th year students going into 5th year
Students will be required to submit an application and complete the SGS Online Financial Need Assessment form for TA relief and need based awards.
2023-24
- New international students awards of 1K; no application required
- 2 TA relief awards of 5K (via applications or nominations)
- 2 need-based awards of 5K (via applications or nominations)
- Equal distribution of remaining funds between current 4th year and 5th year (for direct-entry) doctoral students who will be outside of the funded cohort in fall 2024. No application required. Payment to this particular group is expected in summer 2024 while TA relief, need-based awards and payments to new international students will be processed in fall 2023.
Students will be required to submit an application and complete the SGS Online Financial Need Assessment form for TA relief and need based awards only.
2022-23
The PLF payments will be divided equally amongst students in year 5 PhD.
2023-24
The PLF payments will be divided equally amongst students in year 5 PhD.
2022-23
Every student in the funded cohort will receive an equal share of $1,000 of the PLF.
2023-24
Every student in the funded cohort will receive an equal share of $1,000 of the PLF.
2022-23
Domestic Vanier winners will receive no supplement. The remaining students will be divided into three groups according to their funding level, with the groups, from highest funded to lowest, receiving $250, $1000, and $1750 respectively. Group divisions will be determined by total PLF available and by the requirement that order in funding is preserved (so that no student who is funded at a higher level than a student who is funded at a lower level will, after the PLF distribution, receive lower total funding).
2023-24
Graduate students in the Philosophy department who receive $15,000 or more of award income in excess of the department minimum guaranteed funding will receive no PLF supplement in that year. Students receiving the minimum funding for a MA or a PhD student will receive, should funds permit, $1750 of PLF funding. The remaining students will have funds distributed according to their funding level, with those receiving the highest level of funding prior to the PLF allocation receiving the lowest level of PLF funding. The order in funding will be preserved (so that no student who is funded at a higher level than a student who is funded at a lower level will, after the PLF distribution, receive lower total funding). Students whose external awards remove the requirement that they do TA work to receive their funding will be considered as slightly advantaged compared to students with a similar funding level who are required to TA to receive their full funding. A slight (less than $150) difference in PLF funding may be allocated in favor of the student who is required to TA to receive their full funding. Note that this does not affect 1st year Philosophy PhD students, none of whom are currently expected to do TA work for their funding in their first year.
2022-23
The Program Level Fellowship money will continue to be used to provide doctoral students in the final year of the funded cohort with financial support equivalent to what they would earn from their TA-assignment. Ultimately, this will give them the option to elect not to take a TA assignment, without foregoing the income, in the last year of the funded cohort. It is expected that this will give students the freedom to complete their research and/or finish writing their dissertation. We believe this is a critical phase in our PhD program and this alternative financial support will help students finish their degrees in a timely fashion. In principle, students can only request this support once in their graduate program. Receipt of this support does not prevent students from taking on additional TA hours in their final year.
2023-24
2023-24 will be the first transitional year towards a Physics PLF Plan that distributes funds equally among all students. This year, PhD students in their final funded-cohort year will receive up to $5,000 of PLF funds. As in prior years, this will give final-year students the option to elect not to take a full TA assignment, without reducing their total stipend level, and thereby accelerate their research and/or finish writing their dissertation. The balance of the pool of PLF funds will be distributed to PhD students in the second-to-last year of the funded cohort.
2022-23
Payment of $1000 to all funded cohort students except those with very large scholarships (i.e. CGSD and Vanier) and then to distribute the balance of the pool of funds to eligible students in year 5.
2023-24
Payment of $1000 to all funded cohort students except those with very large scholarships (i.e. CGSD and Vanier) and then to distribute the balance of the pool of funds to eligible students in year 5.
2022-23
Every student in the funded cohort will receive an equal share of $1,000 of the PLF.
2023-24
Every student in the funded cohort will receive an equal share of $1,000 of the PLF.
2023-24
The funds will be used to bring up base net funding to at least $22,000 (and possibly to $23,000).
2023-24
Every student in the funded cohort will receive an equal share of $1,000 of the PLF.
2022-23
The Department will distribute half the funds equally across those in the funded cohort. The other half will be used toward summer fellowship.
2023-24
The funds will still be used for two items:
- Summer Fellowships: students to apply for a summer fellowship; selections will be based on merit and decided by the departmental awards committee. The summer fellowships provide funds to students for writing, toward the end of a research project; the goal is to advance the writing and submission of a sole-authored manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal by summer’s end.
- All student to receive untied funds: A PB&J to allocate roughly ½ the funds to all students in the funded cohort during the fall term so that each student is awarded some funding.
2022-23
Every student in the funded cohort will receive an equal share of $1,000 of the PLF.
2023-24
Every student in the funded cohort will receive an equal share of $1,000 of the PLF.
2022-23
Every student in the funded cohort will receive an equal share of $1,000 of the PLF.
2023-24
PLF to be divided evenly among students in the funded cohort who applied for or are holding major scholarships and awards between November 1, 2022, and October 31, 2023.
2023-24
Students decided to change the regular distribution from $1000 distribution in favour of scaled distribution among the funded cohort. Under this plan, students with the least amount of funding would receive the largest allocation and students with funding over 35K would be completely ineligible.